Manchester City vs Real Madrid preview
After a thrilling 3-3 draw in the first leg, Manchester City host Real Madrid in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. In the first leg, both teams were unable to admit defeat and scored some of the best goals of the entire season. And even though it’s only been a week since the teams met, a lot has changed.
Manchester City received a major Premier League title boost at the weekend. This was because their rivals Liverpool and Arsenal both lost at home. This has allowed City to move two points clear at the top of the table with seven games to go. As always, Pep Guardiola’s men have peaked at the right time.
The defending champions have not lost a single game in the Champions League this season. In fact, the Citizens had won every game in the competition before the first leg against Madrid. One of the biggest improvements the team has made is the support Erling Haaland has received. Haaland and Julian Alvafez scored six goals, while Phil Foden also scored five goals.
Real Madrid are also at the top of the table, but have a six-point lead over Barcelona. They are also unbeaten in the Champions League so far. Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham are the top scorers with four goals each. Bellingham and Vinicius Jr. led the way with four assists each.
The Balcos are in commanding form in the league and are currently on a 25-game unbeaten streak. Carlo Ancelotti’s men have only lost two games all season. Both City and Madrid have a significant advantage in the league. However, both are also in the fight for the treble, which is why it is a must for both teams to win the game.
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Predicted lineups between Manchester City and Real Madrid
Manchester City line-up
In the first leg, City were without the services of Kevin de Bruyne, Kyle Walker and Nathan Ake. All three returned against Luton, but only De Bruyne started the game. However, it is very likely that the triumvirate will be used in the second leg. Josko Gvardiol, who put in a brilliant performance in the first leg, is likely to keep his place in the team.
De Bruyne’s return will give City a creative edge in midfield. John Stones didn’t even make the bench in the game against Luton. However, Guardiola allayed concerns, saying it was a precautionary measure and the defender would start in the second leg.
Manchester City starting eleven: Ederson: Gvardiol, Stones, Dias, Walker: Silva, Rodri, de Bruyne: Foden, Haaland, Grealish
Real Madrid line-up
Real Madrid suffered a major blow in the opening minutes of the first leg when Aurelien Tchouaméni received a yellow card. This means he is suspended for the second leg. Nacho, who played against Mallorca at the weekend, will take his place in the team. Luka Modric and Tchouameni started in midfield, but Toni Kroos and Eduardo Camavinga will return for the game. Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr. have also been rested for the league game, meaning they will be fresh for the game.
Real Madrid starting eleven: Lunin: Mendy, Nacho, Rüdiger, Carvajal; Valverde, Camavinga, Kroos; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr
Manchester City vs Real Madrid predictions
The first leg was probably the most entertaining game of the Champions League season. And given the way the two teams operate, the second leg will likely be just as entertaining, if not more so. This is the third time in a row that the two teams will face each other in the Champions League.
In the 2021/22 season, Madrid made a late comeback and won the game and the title. A year later, City got revenge and won their first title in history. City have the home advantage that they used in a 4-0 win over Madrid almost a year ago.
And with the return of their first team players, City have too much firepower than their Spanish counterparts.
FootTheBall predicts a 3-1 win for Manchester City.