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The semifinals of the UEFA Champions League start tonight with the match between Real Madrid and Manchester City. Real Madrid are the most successful team in the history of this tournament, having won 14 titles. Meanwhile, Manchester City are yet to win the UCL. Last year, they went very close but lost to Real Madrid exactly in the same stage. However, Real Madrid will host the first leg tonight at Santiago Bernabeu, while the second leg will be played at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday next week.
Stats & Facts
Real Madrid played eight games against Manchester City in European Competitions, with both sides winning three games each. The remaining two games were tied. However, Manchester City have won three of their last four meetings with the Los Blancos but lost their most recent match against Real Madrid.
Although Real Madrid are struggling in La Liga, they are pretty strong in the UCL. The Ancelotti boys have kept three consecutive clean sheets in their last three games in the Champions League. Anyway, City boss Pep Guardiola has a strong record against Real Madrid. He has lost only five of his 21 games against Real Madrid in all competitions.
Team News
Real Madrid will miss their defender Eder Militao because of his suspension. Left-back Ferland Mendy has returned to the training ground. But his chance to play tonight is uncertain. Dani Ceballos is also unavailable for tonight’s clash. However, Luka Modric has recovered and returned to the team.
As for Manchester City, Nathan Ake got a knock during the match against Leeds United. He will miss the first leg. However, the remaining players are fully fit and ready to secure the victory.
We are not here for revenge – Guardiola
Man City lost the semifinal to Real Madrid last year. This time, they meet Real Madrid again. But Pep Guardiola doesn’t want revenge, instead, he takes it as an opportunity. Guardiola said, “We arrived here last season with encouragement to get to the final. We played really good in both games. But it was not enough. But what happened in the past is the past. We are not here for revenge. It’s just another opportunity.”
Prediction: Real Madrid 2-2 Man City
Although Real Madrid are having a bad time in La Liga, they have been doing great in the UCL. They are like a king in this tournament. However, Man City are flying both in the league and UCL. Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne can destroy any team.
Betfair Odds
Real Madrid: 3.30
Draw: 3.60
Man City: 2.15
