Real Madrid plagued by trouble ahead of City clash

Real Madrid goes into its Champions League tie against Manchester City in the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday full of doubts after an indifferent start to its La Liga campaign.

The opening clash in a strong Group D, which also includes Dutch champion Ajax and Bundesliga winner Borussia Dortmund, will be crucial for both sides' aspirations to be crowned the continent's top side this season.

Madrid was beaten in the semifinals the past two years, while City disappointed in its first ever appearance last season, going out in a group won by Bayern Munich, the eventual runner-up and semifinal victor over Madrid.