Man City vs Real Madrid Champions League semi-final preview|Line-up| Livestream
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW-
The advantage lies with Manchester City in this highly anticipated clash. The first leg alone showcased an exhilarating spectacle, with its edge-of-the-seat thrills surpassing the previous season’s semi-final, which was more action-oriented. Madrid managed a remarkable second-leg comeback at the Santiago Bernabéu to secure a 6-5 aggregate victory over Pep Guardiola’s men.
However, the circumstances are notably different this time around, as the pivotal second leg will unfold at the City of Manchester Stadium. Manchester City enters this match with an impressive unbeaten streak of 14 games at home, amassing a combined score of 49 goals to their opponents’ mere 7. This undeniable home advantage could prove to be a game-changer for the Manchester side.
On the other hand, Real Madrid has historically struggled when they fail to win the first leg of a Champions League knockout tie at home. Out of the nine previous occasions, they have only managed to progress twice under such circumstances. Interestingly, both instances occurred in Manchester, with encounters against United in 2000 and 2013. The memory of those past defeats might linger ominously in the minds of the City players.
Moreover, the presence of Karim Benzema, who was an unused substitute during Madrid’s previous visit to Manchester in 2013, adds another layer of intrigue. Alongside him, Erling Haaland, another formidable striker, was uncharacteristically subdued in the first leg. However, both teams possess an abundance of attacking talent, and it is highly likely that they will unleash their full potential in this decisive encounter.
My Final Words
Manchester City holds a significant advantage heading into the second leg. Their dominant home record, combined with Real Madrid’s historical struggles in similar situations, creates a favourable scenario for the English team. Nevertheless, with the calibre of talent on both sides, this match is bound to provide a thrilling showdown that fans and neutrals alike eagerly anticipate.
