Real Madrid entering a UEFA Champions League knockout match as an underdog is extremely rare. However, that is a reality reflecting the unstable performance of the team under Alvaro Arbeloa, when they are preparing to face Manchester City.
Among the many issues mentioned, Real Madrid's biggest weakness still lies in the midfield. That is the lack of true leaders - players with technique, tactical thinking, creativity and superior physical strength.
The successive departures of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, along with visionary transfer decisions, have made Real Madrid's current squad lack a person who can control the match, shape the pace and connect the entire system on the field.
In other words, Real Madrid is lacking a player like Rodri.
In the context of the two teams preparing for a rematch, this becomes even clearer when Man City continues to be led by a midfielder who is at the peak of his form. This is a player born in Madrid, who has won the Golden Ball, is a pillar of the Spanish national team that won the UEFA Nations League and EURO, and always considers Zinedine Zidane an idol.
If building an ideal midfielder model based on all criteria - talent, physique, experience, bravery, desire for titles, technique, tactical thinking and vision - then that model almost matches Rodri. And that is what makes Real Madrid even more regretful.
The 29-year-old midfielder currently only has 15 months left on his contract with Man City - a rather unusual situation for a player with great influence like him. This makes many big clubs, including Real Madrid, closely monitor the possibility of recruiting him on a free transfer in the summer of 2027, or at a lower fee in the upcoming transfer window.
Currently, Rodri is still very satisfied with the environment at Etihad. He also expresses great gratitude to the club for supporting and taking care of him during his recovery from a long-term knee injury. However, in Madrid, many people still believe that this is a rare opportunity.
First, Bernabeu can hardly find a more suitable candidate to solve the problem in midfield. Second, they also do not want to see Barcelona or Atletico Madrid as teams that bring Rodri back to Spain, especially when this midfielder has repeatedly caused difficulties for them in Atletico, Villarreal and Man City colors.
Rodri's playing minutes in the next 2 matches - the 12th and 13th Real Madrid and Man City encounters in just 6 years - depend not only on his talent but also on Pep Guardiola's caution.
The Spanish captain gave Rodri rest in the victory over Newcastle United in the FA Cup. This is a decision likely to help this midfielder reach the best condition for the confrontation with Los Blancos.
Rodri's form and stability are progressing just as we expected since he returned from injury. He is gradually regaining his fighting spirit. Everyone can see that" - Guardiola shared.
Rodri's head-to-head record against Real Madrid is also enough to make the Royal team wary. He once contributed to helping Atletico Madrid defeat Real 4-2 in the 2018 European Super Cup, and has a total of 6 wins and 4 draws in 15 encounters with the most successful team in Europe.
After winning the Ballon d'Or, Rodri was asked about the possibility of returning to his hometown of Madrid in the future. "Madrid is my home. England welcomed me very warmly and I am very happy here. But La Liga and Premier League are both leagues that gather the best players in the world, so I never close the door to anything" - Rodri said.
When asked if Real Madrid would call, would he be willing to listen, Rodri replied: "There is no reason to close the door to possible scenarios. If top clubs are interested in you, it is always positive. When it's time to decide the future, the more options there are, the better".
In another interview, Rodri once shared his playing philosophy - which made many people believe that he is the type of midfielder that Real Madrid is lacking.
The ball must move faster than any player. You may not be fast physically, but if you handle the ball and choose a good position, you can still be faster than your opponent.
A defensive midfielder must know when to take risks and when to keep the pace of the match. If you always pass the ball forward, you will lose the ball more. But if you only pass horizontally or back, you will not create opportunities either. The most important thing is balance, and understanding your opponent" - the Man City midfielder shared.
Those are the principles that Real Madrid understands clearly in theory, but not always effectively implemented on the field. Therefore, Rodri's return to Madrid this time may carry many emotions. But at the Bernabeu, there will be no friendly welcome for him.
