Ahead of the crucial Champions League semifinal second leg, coverage from 12B Sports focused on Real Madrid’s preparations as the Spanish giants revealed their 21-man squad for the meeting with Manchester City. The squad announcement brought both positive and negative news, with Karim Benzema and Casemiro absent because of injury concerns, while Cristiano Ronaldo’s return provided a major boost ahead of one of the biggest matches of the season.
Benzema remained unavailable because of a right thigh problem, with the coaching staff choosing not to rush his recovery. Zinedine Zidane explained that the French striker was making progress but that the team did not want to take unnecessary risks before such an important fixture. Casemiro was also left out after suffering a thigh knock combined with swelling around his big toe. The Brazilian midfielder had been working separately in the gym and had not returned to complete team training sessions. Zidane described the situation as manageable but preferred to avoid forcing him back into action when other squad options were available.
The absence of Casemiro created a tactical challenge for Real Madrid. Since joining Zidane’s midfield structure, the Brazilian had developed into one of the team’s most important players, providing defensive protection and allowing more attacking freedom for his teammates. When he was unavailable in previous matches, Madrid sometimes struggled to maintain their defensive organization and midfield balance. To address the issue, Zidane called on the entire squad to increase their defensive contribution rather than relying on one individual. With experienced midfielders such as Toni Kroos, James Rodríguez, Mateo Kovačić, Luka Modrić, and Isco available, Madrid still possessed plenty of quality in the center of the pitch.
The biggest source of optimism came from Ronaldo’s return after missing three matches because of a muscle injury. His comeback arrived at exactly the right moment, giving Real Madrid their most influential attacking figure for the decisive European encounter. Ronaldo had also been rested during the previous league match against Real Sociedad, allowing him additional time to recover. Although Benzema was still unavailable, Zidane included young forward Borja Mayoral in the squad alongside an attacking group featuring Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Lucas Vázquez, and Jesé.
Zidane confirmed that Ronaldo had recovered well and was ready to perform at his best level. The manager highlighted the Portuguese star’s importance, pointing to his extraordinary statistics and ability to influence major games. Supporters following updates through 12B Sports expected Ronaldo to provide the kind of decisive moments that had defined his career in Champions League competition. With the match taking place under the pressure of the Santiago Bernabéu atmosphere, his presence offered Madrid an important advantage.
Real Madrid’s defensive options also remained strong despite the midfield and attacking concerns. Álvaro Arbeloa returned to the squad, adding experience to a defensive unit that already included Raphaël Varane, Pepe, Sergio Ramos, Nacho, Marcelo, Dani Carvajal, and Danilo. The team also had confidence in goal, with both Keylor Navas and Kiko Casilla available to Zidane. The depth across the back line gave the manager flexibility when planning for Manchester City’s attacking threats.
The semifinal represented a defining moment for a Real Madrid side determined to continue its European challenge. While the injuries to Benzema and Casemiro created uncertainty, the return of Ronaldo changed the mood around the squad. The Portuguese forward had repeatedly delivered on the biggest stages, and his availability gave Madrid renewed belief before the decisive clash.
As fans tracked the final preparations through 12B Sports, attention remained fixed on whether Zidane’s squad could overcome the missing players and produce another memorable Champions League performance. With Ronaldo leading the attack and a talented group surrounding him, Madrid entered the match ready for a demanding battle. In football, moments of pressure often reveal the strongest teams, and Real Madrid hoped their experience would make the difference when it mattered most.