Carlo Ancelotti believes Real Madrid should have two fit senior central defenders for the second leg of their Champions League knockout phase play-off tie against Manchester City.

Madrid's 21-year-old centre-back Raul Asencio started alongside defensive midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni in the heart of defence in the first leg at the Etihad Stadium. Left-back Ferland Mendy was the only recognised defender in their back-four, with Federico Valverde, another midfielder, playing right-back.

The latter will likely continue to fill in for the injured Lucas Vazquez, who had been deputising for Dani Carvajal before sustaining a muscle injury. However, Ancelotti appears optimistic that Valverde will be the only midfielder forced to play in defence at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium when the teams meet again.

READ MORE: Rodri's two-word verdict, Carragher corrected - Behind the Man City banner that riled Real Madrid

READ MORE: Man City players still don't know why they keep collapsing in games

"For the second leg, we need (Antonio) Rudiger and (David) Alaba; I think they will be back for the second leg," the Madrid head coach said during his post-match press conference. "The more emergency, the more sacrifice."

Rudiger sustained an injury to the femoral biceps of his right leg during their defeat to Espanyol earlier this month and has missed their last three matches. Alaba has also been absent from those games with an adductor muscle injury in his left leg.

That is the player's latest problem after missing a year with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture in the same leg's knee. Madrid are also without Eder Militao because of an ACL injury.

However, regardless of who returns from injury, the Spanish side will not be without any of their players through suspension. That is because none of Eduardo Camavinga, Endrick, Luka Modric, Jude Bellingham or Tchouameni were shown a yellow card in the first leg.

All five players - plus Ancelotti - were one booking away from missing the second leg. Militao and Rudiger also were but did not play due to injury.