Real Madrid vs. Manchester City lineups: Casemiro, Walker return

Madrid, May 4, 2022 (AFP) - Real Madrid welcomed back Casemiro for the second leg of their Champions League semi-final against Manchester City on Wednesday.

Trailing 4-3 after a thrilling first leg, Madrid put the fit-again Casemiro straight back into their midfield, alongside Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Fede Valverde.

David Alaba's calf injury meant Nacho Fernandez came into the defence as expected, with Karim Benzema leading the line again up front.

Kyle Walker returned at right-back for Manchester City, up against Madrid's Vinicius Junior in his first appearance since April 13.

There were no surprises in Pep Guardiola's lineup as Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden and Gabriel Jesus formed the front three, while Joao Cancelo was picked at left-back after missing the first leg through suspension.

Real Madrid (4-4-2)

Thibaut Courtois; Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, Nacho Fernandez, Ferland Mendy; Fede Valverde, Toni Kroos, Casemiro, Luka Modric; Karim Benzema (capt), Vinicius Junior

Coach: Carlo Ancelotti (ITA)

Manchester City (4-3-3)

Ederson; Kyle Walker, Aymeric Laporte, Ruben Dias (capt), Joao Cancelo; Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne; Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden, Gabriel Jesus

Coach: Pep Guardiola (ESP)

Referee: Daniele Orsato (ITA)