Manchester City suffered a cruel double injury blow against Real Madrid just as they looked to have a recognisable system back.

Pep Guardiola started all of his centre-backs in a system he has been unable to use this season, with Manu Akanji picked to deal with Vinicius Jr after Kyle Walker's January exit for AC Milan.

Jack Grealish was a surprise starter for City on the left in a bid to control the ball against the defending Champions League winners, but he was forced off after 30 minutes having played a vital role in Erling Haaland's opening goal.

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And just before half-time, with Akanji earning plaudits from his teammates for stopping Vinicius cross in a dangerous attack, the Swiss international was holding his groin and went down. He made it through to the break, hobbling off in discussion with the referee, and he did not return after half-time.

Rico Lewis replaced him in City's second enforced change, with Akanji now a major doubt for next week's second leg at the Bernabeu. Matheus Nunes, who had a stint at right-back in January, was back after missing training in the week but only on the bench.

Oscar Bobb remains injured, while Nathan Ake and Jeremy Doku were back after their own injuries.