Real Madrid set sight on another final

MADRID — Boosted by Cristiano Ronaldo’s likely return and a nearly perfect home record, Real Madrid welcome Manchester City on Wednesday with another Champions League final almost in their grasp.

Real Madrid set to have Ronaldo back after he missed three straight games because of a leg injury, including the 0-0 first-leg draw in Manchester last week.

Ronaldo leads the Champions League with 16 goals, one shy of the record he set in the 2013-14 season.

He hurt his right leg in a Spanish league game on April 20 and hasn’t played since then. Madrid have not released any official information about the injury, prompting widespread rumours about its severity, but he participated fully in training on Monday and looked fit to return to action.

Another edge for Madrid comes from Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, where it has crushed all-comers this season, winning 20 of 23 matches in all competitions. In the Champions League, which have won all five home games by outscoring opponents 18-0.

“Home advantage will help,” Real Madrid defensive midfielder Casemiro said. “It is going to be a very difficult game but our fans are strong. That gives us a small advantage. We’re counting on the fans and I’m sure they’ll not let us down”.

Only two opponents have beaten Madrid at home this season, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona. Malaga earned a 0-0 draw against the 10-time European champions at the Bernabeu, a result that, if repeated, would send Wednesday’s game into extra time.

Madrid, the title winner in 2014, have won their last six games at the venue in all competitions. The club is unbeaten against English sides at home in the Champions League, and it defeated City 3-2 in the tournament’s group stage in 2012.

“That feeling when the fans inside the Santiago Bernabeu get behind you and are with us is unexplainable,” Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas said. “We’ll be trying to chase every ball, and each player is going to be giving their best to ensure that everything works out perfectly.”

Only Karim Benzema remains seriously doubtful because of a right hamstring injury.

Despite its advantages, Madrid hold a lot of respect for City, which have an impressive away record of three wins and two draws in the Champions League this season. It eliminated Paris Saint-Germain in the quarterfinals, a stage it reached for the first time.

“If Manchester City made it to the semifinals, it’s because they’re an excellent team,” Ronaldo said. “Knocking out PSG is not an easy task, but they managed to do it. They are a team with very few weaknesses.”