Real Madrid vs Manchester City: 3 battles to watch out for | Champions League 2019-20

In this week's round of Champions League fixtures, Real Madrid versus Manchester City is the marquee game to look out for. Two sides filled with world-class players and two world-class managers going against each other promises to produce an exciting game.

Real Madrid come alive each year in the Champions League, no matter their domestic situation. Zinedine Zidane will be looking to add a fourth Champions League title to his trophy cabinet.

On the other hand, Manchester City are still in search of a maiden continental title. Pep Guardiola's side have the cloud of a two-year ban looming over them, and will hope to go as far as they can this season.

Here are three tactical battles to watch out for from the game.

1) Karim Benzema vs Fernandinho

Real Madrid CF v Club Atletico de Madrid - La Liga

Karim Benzema has experienced a revival this season. The Frenchman has scored 17 goals in all competitions and will spearhead Madrid's attack.

Benzema has had to take up the slack after Cristiano Ronaldo's departure, and he will be looking to prove himself in the knockouts as well. Benzema's movement and finishing have the capacity to cause City plenty of problems.

The danger he poses will be further amplified by the fact that City are likely to play Fernandinho in defence along with Aymeric Laporte. The Brazilian is naturally a defensive midfielder but is versatile enough to slot in at centre-back. However, playing in an unfamiliar role in the knockout stages of the Champions League is a completely different ball game.

Benzema will be looking forward to the prospect of going up against Fernandinho. His instinctive movement will require Fernandinho to keep a close eye on the prolific Frenchman.

2) Toni Kroos vs Kevin de Bruyne

Leicester City v Manchester City - Premier League

Toni Kroos and Kevin de Bruyne are two of the best midfielders in the world. Kroos is Madrid's midfield metronome; the German's precise passing, calm demeanor and press-resistance have been key to Madrid winning so many UCL titles in recent years.

Sitting in a deeper role, Kroos will pull the strings for the home side, trying to be positive and keep possession. But his task will not be easy considering he will be up against the mercurial De Bruyne.

The Belgian attacking midfielder is City's most technically proficient player. De Bruyne's vision, passing and shooting are arguably unmatched by any attacking midfielder. He will be looking to pressure Kroos, and occupy the pockets of space that the German cannot cover.

Playing in the half-spaces, De Bruyne will be City's creator-in-chief. And he has the ability to punish Madrid if they give him the space he needs to weave his magic.

3) Sergio Ramos vs Sergio Aguero

Real Madrid CF v RC Celta de Vigo - La Liga

Sergio Ramos and Sergio Aguero are the longest and second-longest serving players for their respective clubs. And both players have been absolutely vital in the immense success of their clubs as well.

Ramos and Aguero are into the twilight of their careers and will be looking to maximize their time at the top level.

Aguero against Ramos represents an interesting battle. The ever-clinical Aguero needs the smallest of chances to score, while Ramos has been one of the best defenders of the past two decades.

Ramos will be looking to make his presence felt with crunching tackles and winning aerial duels. Aguero on his part will rely on his speed and look to play off the back of the last defender, in an attempt to beat the offside trap and capitalize on Madrid's lack of pace in defence.

But if Ramos can mark Aguero out of the game, City would need to rethink their approach.