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Preview: Everything you need to know, Predicted XI – Real Madrid vs Manchester City
On Tuesday night, Manchester City return to the scene of their biggest Champions League capitulation, the Bernabeu. Countless missed chances followed by one of the most improbable comebacks last season saw the Blues suffer one of their most agonising losses in the competition. Pep Guardiola's men will be hoping this time the story is different, that this time there's no pain in Spain.
When Erling Haaland stepped through the doors at the Etihad last summer, it was clear he was brought for nights like Tuesday night; to ensure the missed chances last April against Real Madrid are nothing but a bad memory. With a 51-goal striker in their ranks this time around, whilst boasting the best defence in the competition, the Blues have plenty of reason to feel confident this time around. Kick-off for this momentous game is at 8 pm (BST) on Tuesday, May 9th, live on BT Sport in the United Kingdom.
Team News
After coming off injured in the second half against Leeds United at the weekend, Nathan Ake did not train with the squad before the trip to Madrid and was also not part of the travelling party. The Blues have no other injury concerns, and with the absence of Ake, Manuel Akani is expected to shift over to left-back again as he did vs Arsenal in late April.
Predicted XI:
Ederson, Walker, Stones, Dias, Akanji, Rodri, Gundogan, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Haaland, Grealish
Opposition
Real Madrid come into Tuesday's game on the back of a 2-1 win against Osasuna in the Copa Del Rey final. Spirits will be high; Los Blancos have found their scoring touch at just the right time, and Guardiola's side will have to be wary. Real have scored two or more goals in ten of their last 11 games, the only exception being a 2-0 loss away at Real Sociedad.
Rodrygo, who put the dagger in City hearts with his two stoppage-time goals last season, could prove to be a thorn in City's side once again.
The Brazilian is in fine form in the Champions League, scoring five goals in his eight starts in the competition. He's also scored five goals in his last five games in all competitions, two of those coming in the 2-0 second-leg win at Stamford Bridge in the previous round.
Real Madrid will be without Eder Militao, who's suspended, while Ferland Mendy and Dani Ceballos did not train ahead of the game.
Head-to-Head
Played: 8
Won: 3
Drawn: 2
Lost: 3
There's very little to separate both sides in the head-to-head; however, the Blues will be hoping it's third time lucky in the semi-final against Real Madrid.
In the lead-up to Tuesday's game, Rodri in the pre-match press conference, spoke about wanting revenge, as did Bernardo Silva in similar tones.
Whilst understandable, the Blues will have to be calm, composed, and calculated, treating the game as an opportunity rather than a quest for revenge. That was Guardiola's message in his press conference.
The past is gone; ultimately, the Blues can dictate their future, and it's now down to them to take this opportunity placed in front of them and make a June trip to Istanbul part of their future plans.
Officials
Referee: Artur Soares Dias
Assistants: Paulo Soares & Pedro Ribeiro
Fourth Official: Daniele Orsato
VAR: Massimiliano Irrati
Assistant VAR: Tiago Martins
Written by: @MakThatGuy
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