• Champions League

Madrid to prepare for United at City's Etihad Stadium

ESPN staff
March 1, 2013
Real Madrid are in good form ahead of their return leg with Manchester United in the Champions League © Getty Images
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Real Madrid have altered their pre-match plans for the Champions League last-16 game against Manchester United, by confirming they will use Manchester City's facilities.

The second leg tie will be played on Tuesday night at Old Trafford and Real had been expected to remain in Spain for their final preparations rather than travel to Manchester.

It is tournament regulations that part of a side's pre-match training session must be open to the media, with the match venue usually the most suitable location.

However, Jose Mourinho has now made a late change to the Spanish champions' plans by confirming they will use the Etihad Stadium.

There has been no explanation for the switch, although it is believed that the Portuguese coach views City as a safer spot to conduct a public training session as they look to book their place in the Champions League quarter-finals.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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