John Stones hobbled off the pitch injured after just seven minutes against Real Madrid, capping off a nightmare start to the game for Manchester City.
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Mbappe gives Madrid early leadStones then goes down injuredReplaced by AkeFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Kylian Mbappe gave the home side an early lead, doubling their aggregate advantage to make it 4-2. And City will be forced to seek a comeback in the tie without the help of experienced defender John Stones, who was forced off after colliding with the Madrid goal-scorer and "jarred his leg" according to. The seriousness of the injury remains unclear but the England international was able to walk off the pitch by himself.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Stones was replaced at the back by Nathan Ake, and while the Dutchman is a capable deputy, things still look bleak for the visitors. The City backline knows how hard it is to contain world-class talents like Jude Bellingham, and on this occasion, the serial Champions League winners may have a little too much firepower for out-of-form City.
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City's woes are compounded by the fact that they are missing their top scorer in the Champions League this season, Erling Haaland. Only Robert Lewandowski (9) and Serhou Guraissy (10) have more goals in the competition than the Norwegian in 2024-25, but in a huge blow for City's hopes Haaland was forced onto the bench for this fixture after suffering an injury against Newcastle.
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR CITY?
Injuries have plagued City all season, with Ballon d'Or-winning midfielder Rodri out for the whole campaign and several other stars — now including Stones — hampered by injury concerns at different points. If Guardiola's side can mount a huge comeback against Madrid, they will still be without some key personnel in the round of 16.
