Champions League Semi-final Preview: Real Madrid v Manchester City
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Two titans go up against each other in the semi-finals of this season’s Champions League, as Real Madrid take on Manchester City. The English side is battling it out with Liverpool to become Premier League champions, while Real Madrid are winning La Liga at a canter.
However, that’s not to say the Spanish side are favourites going into this game. Pep Guardiola and his City are heavily fancied and will be hoping they can overcome a rejuvenated Los Blancos.
If they are to do so, they will need to be at their very best. They go into this game missing two of their top defensive talents, as Kyle Walker and John Stones are both likely to be out.
They both missed City’s impressive victory over Watford at the weekend and Pep has stated that this game against Real might come too soon for the pair. Madrid’s biggest injury concern is David Alaba, with the Austrian struggling for fitness after picking up a hamstring injury. The winner of this tie will go on to play in Paris, get your Champions League final tickets here on SafeTicketCompare.com
The Story So Far
Real Madrid
Madrid came through their group relatively untouched, as they navigated their way by Inter, Shakhtar and Sherriff. It was then they went up against a star-studded PSG side, where they were inspired by French sharpshooter Karim Benzema.
Benzema was once again at his brilliant best, as Real knocked out defending champions Chelsea in the quarter-finals.
Manchester City
Manchester City also went up against PSG, but they played them in the group stage. City finished atop of their group, which also featured Leipzig and Bruge. In the Round of 16 they had a relatively straightforward tie against Sporting Lisbon, while they knocked out Real’s rivals, Atletico, in the quarters.
Who Are the Key Men?
Manchester City
Kevin De Bruyne
City quite simply aren’t the same side when the Belgian playmaker isn’t playing. He makes things happen for them and has a habit of turning up at the right place when it matters. This was demonstrated in the quarters, when it was his goal that unlocked a stubborn Atletico defence.
Ederson
The Brazilian goalkeeper’s distribution is better than many midfield playmakers. He is quite simply outstanding with the ball at his feed and he offers City an avenue to attack from the back. When he is not on the field, City are a far weaker side. This was shown in their recent FA Cup defeat to Manchester City when he was rested.
Real Madrid
Karim Benzema
Benzema has been one of the players of the tournament this season and Real are heavily relying upon him for goals. His performances, both against PSG and Chelsea, were the stuff of legend. If Real go onto lift the trophy this year it will be due in no small part to his excellence.
Luka Modric
The former Tottenham midfielder demonstrated why he is still considered one of the best passers in world football when he cut open the Chelsea defence for the decisive goal in the quarters.
The Croatian plays football like it is a chess match, seeing each move three or four steps ahead of everyone else on the pitch.
Who Will Win?
Real Madrid in the Champions League have already got by English opposition in this season’s tournament and we fancy them to do it one more time and reach the final. Manchester City is still battling on two fronts, with the Premier League race coming down to the wire.
