Man City vs Real Madrid UCL preview
Will the new kids on the block finally upstage the kings of Europe and establish a new world order in European football? That’s the question at the forefront as Manchester City seek to get over the Real Madrid hump in the UEFA Champions League.
Widely expected to dominate Real Madrid in the first legs, Manchester City again saw why Los Blancos are called the “Kings of Europe”. A moment of magic from Vinicius Jr was cancelled out by another inspired display by Kevin de Bruyne. Instead of a City lead, the tie is finely poised at 1-1- as Real Madrid travel to the Etihad Stadium.
Armed with their Norwegian cyborg Erling Haaland, the Cityzens have never been better placed to win the Champions League. But, as they say, “To be the man, you gotta beat the man”, and if the first leg was any indication, Real Madrid are not going away quietly.
It all makes for an exciting clash as upstarts challenge legacy in this UEFA Champions League semifinal second leg.
Man City vs Real Madrid lineups
Man City predicted lineup
Pep Guardiola has arguably the deepest squad in Europe at his disposal. Leading Everton at the weekend, he had the luxury of bringing on Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish off the bench. Clearly, injury worries are the last thought on Pep’s mind with such a deep squad.
Even the sole absentee, Nathan Ake, could return for this fixture, marking a clean injury slate for the Cityzens.
However, that doesn’t mean the selection of the first XI is straightforward. The problem of plenty is good, but it is a problem nonetheless.
One place that is not under question is Ederson in goal. Kyle Walker will also resume his tussle against Vinicius Jr on his right. Ruben Dias and Manuel Akanji should round up the defence.
Rodri’s selection is also nailed on, having played the most minutes of any City player this season. John Stones was rested against Everton but he might stay on the bench against Real Madrid because Ilkay Gundogan put in a masterclass against the Toffees in his absence.
Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva’s place is also secure, with Guardiola valuing their ball-retaining and foul-winning abilities in a match that could become gung-ho. Kevin de Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez will complete the attacking trio behind Erling Haaland, who would be keen to make his mark in this one after a quiet first leg.
Predicted Man City lineup: Ederson, Akanji, Dias, Walker, Gundogan, Rodri, Mahrez, Grealish, Silva, De Bruyne,…
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