Real Madrid and Manchester City are set to face off in what promises to be a thrilling Champions League semi-final on Tuesday night at the Bernabeu. The reigning champions, Real Madrid, come into the match on the back of five successive Champions League wins. They are looking to secure a place in the final for the sixth time in the past seven seasons. The Sky Blues meanwhile are in good form, having won 15 of their last 16 games in all competitions.
Real Madrid will have to cope with the absence of Eder Militao due to suspension. The Brazilian defender was cautioned for the third time in this season’s tournament during the second leg of the quarter-finals. Left-back Ferland Mendy is also expected to miss the match due to a calf problem. Midfielder Luka Modric will, however, be available to start after shaking off a hamstring concern.
Manchester City are waiting to hear if Dutch defender Nathan Ake will be available for the match after he was forced off with an apparent hamstring injury during the weekend’s Premier League match against Leeds. The team has been in excellent form, having won 15 of their last 16 games in all competitions. Manager Pep Guardiola has a well-rested squad and is likely to field a strong team, including Kyle Walker and Jack Grealish, who were both rested in the weekend game.
Prediction: The match is poised to be a closely fought encounter with both teams having strong attacking sides. Real Madrid has a good record in the competition and is likely to have an edge playing at home. Manchester City has been in great form of late and could pose a significant threat. The match is likely to end in a draw with both teams grabbing a couple of goals each. It will be all to play for when the teams meet in the return leg at the Etihad on May 17.
