Lucas Vazquez out for Real Madrid's Champions League match vs. Manchester City

Real Madrid's defensive woes deepened as Lucas Vazquez was ruled out of the Champions League first leg against Manchester City due to a hamstring injury, which will sideline him for approximately three weeks. This injury adds to a growing list of absentees, including Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, and Eder Militao, leaving Madrid without a fit senior center-back. Vazquez, who had been filling in at right-back, was substituted in the 81st minute during the recent 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid, where he experienced discomfort afterward. As Madrid prepares to face City at the Etihad Stadium, central midfielder Federico Valverde may need to step back into defense to cover for Vazquez. The match marks the first leg of their knockout playoff, with the return match scheduled for February 19. Madrid currently leads La Liga, having maintained their position with the recent draw against Atletico.