The second leg of the Champions League quarterfinals has already witnessed some dramatic matches last night. Another high-voltage match is set to take place tonight when Manchester City welcome Real Madrid at Etihad Stadium following their thrilling 3-3 tie at Santiago Bernabeu.
The first leg between the two teams was full of thrill. Man City took the lead within two minutes, but Real Madrid reacted brilliantly and returned two more goals between 12 and 14 seconds. However, the match ended in a 3-3 tie at Santiago Bernabeu. Let’s see who will progress in the semifinal tonight.
Stats & Facts
- Man City eliminated Real Madrid last season, and they would become the first team to eliminate the Los Blancos from the UEFA Champions League in two consecutive times since 1990. Only AC Milan did so against Real Madrid before.
- Man City have a very strong record at Etihad Stadium against Real Madrid. The Citizens, under Pep Guardiola, have won all their last three home games against the Los Blancos.
- Pep Guardiola would become only the second manager to beat Real Madrid in four consecutive home games in the Champions League.
- Recent meetings between the two teams were very high-scoring games. During their last five matches, 23 goals were scored between the two teams.
- Losing the first leg at home, Real Madrid have only progressed from only two of their last 10 Champions League knockout stage ties.
Team News
Kevin De Bruyne was on the bench during the first leg and didn’t play for a minute due to his illness at Santiago Bernabeu. But the midfield maestro is fit again and will play tonight. Phil Foden got a knock and was taken off early. Luckily, his injury was not serious, and he should be available for the second leg. Manchester City are ready to welcome their defensive duo, Kyle Walker and Nathan Ake, as they have recovered from injury.
As for Real Madrid, they will miss the service of Thibaut Courtois and David Alaba due to their ACL injury. However, Eder Militao has recovered and is in contention for tonight’s game.
Possible Lineup for Man City:
Ederson; Walker, Dias, Stones, Gvardiol; Silva, Rodri, De Bruyne; Foden, Haaland, Doku
Possible Lineup for Real Madrid:
Lunin; Carvajal, Nacho, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Camavinga, Kroos; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr
Prediction: Man City 3-2 Real Madrid
The recent games between Manchester City and Real Madrid were high-scoring. They used to be aggressive from the very beginning, so we can expect an early goal. Manchester City will have the home advantage, and their home records are decent enough. Therefore, we expect Manchester City to progress from the quarterfinal at Etihad Stadium.
Betfair Odds
Man City: 1.60
Draw: 4.52
Real Madrid: 5.37
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