Manchester City is gearing up to host Real Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final, with the two-legged tie level at 1-1. The first leg was an intense battle that ended in a draw due to two stunning strikes from Vinicius Junior and Kevin De Bruyne. Now, the stage is set for the second leg at the Etihad, with a spot in the Champions League final at stake.
Both teams have different motivations and expectations going into this match. Manchester City has been in an impressive form lately, being unbeaten in their last 22 matches in all competitions, with 18 wins. They are also likely to win the league with a four-point advantage at the top of the table. Pep Guardiola’s team is looking to win the treble this season, and a win over Real Madrid will keep those hopes alive.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, has already won the Copa del Rey this season but has been well beaten by Barcelona in the league. Ancelotti’s team is desperate to win the Champions League again, as without it, this season would not be considered successful. Madrid knows that a win over Manchester City will ensure their place in the final, and they are ready to pull off a stunning victory at the Etihad.
Pep Guardiola’s only concern heading into the second leg is the fitness of Nathan Ake, who has struggled with a hamstring injury. Guardiola is expected to field the same XI that played in the first leg, with Ederson, Walker, Dias, and Akanji in defense. Rodri and John Stones will be double pivots in the center of the park, Bernardo Silva, and Jack Grealish in the role of wing-backs, and Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gündogan as attacking midfielders. Erling Haaland will be the main striker.
Carlo Ancelotti believes the Frenchman Eduardo Camavinga will be fit for the match, and Ferland Mendy is back in the mix. Madrid is expected to start with a 4-3-3 formation, with Thibaut Courtois in goal, Carvajal, and David Alaba as full-backs, Eder Militao, and Antonio Rudiger in the heart of the defense. Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, and Federico Valverde will feature in the center of the park, while Rodrygo Goes and Vinicius Junior will be the wingers. Karim Benzema will lead the attack.
In the 11 meetings between Real Madrid and Manchester City, both teams have won four games each, but Manchester City has only lost one out of their last five fixtures against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League. Real Madrid has not won any of their last four away matches against City, and they will hope for a similar result.
The key player to watch is the young Brazilian winger Rodrygo Goes, who has scored five goals and provided two assists in 11 Champions League matches. His performance could decide the game for Madrid, and Carlo Ancelotti will hope he gets the job done for his team.
The Hard Tackle predicts a hard-fought 2-1 win for Real Madrid. However, it won’t be an easy affair, and Manchester City is expected to give their all to secure a place in the final. This match promises to be an enthralling encounter, with both teams leaving everything on the pitch.
