Image source: PA Media
3 hours ago
Manchester City is preparing to face Real Madrid and will host it at its Al-Ittihad stadium today in the second leg of the quarter-finals in the Champions League, after the first leg ended in a positive 3-3 draw.
Saudi journalist and sports critic Issa Al-Mesmar told the BBC that the confrontation between Real Madrid and Manchester City is considered the most important in this round, given the strength and popularity of the two teams.
Real Madrid is considered the most successful continental champion with 14 championships, while Manchester City is the title holder in its latest edition after winning it for the first time in its career.
Manchester City is close to achieving the second treble in a row if it overcomes Real Madrid and passes the semi-finals, especially after reaching the FA Cup final and currently topping the English Premier League.
“A difficult meeting”
Al-Mesmar expected that Real Madrid will face difficulties at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, and may suffer against City because Madrid faces difficulties with teams that focus on possession of the ball.
With the return of Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne to the City squad, this will contribute, according to Al-Mesmar, to the recovery of the team’s midfield and give it an advantage.
Mesmar continues, saying: “City has started playing with the character of a champion and knows its way through the tournament, and it is a candidate to reach the final round.”
The draw was the result of the match that brought together Real Madrid of Spain and its guest Manchester City of England in the first leg of the quarter-finals of the Champions League competition, at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Spain, in a 3-3 draw.
Ruben Diaz (an own goal), Rodrigo, and Fede Valverde scored for Real Madrid in the 12th, 14th, and 79th minutes, while Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, and Guardiol scored for Manchester City in the 2nd, 66th, and 71st minutes.
Madrid “missed the opportunity to decide”
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Sports analyst Al-Mesmar pointed out that the first leg, which ended in a positive draw, was logical, with Real Madrid having an advantage, amid the loss of easy opportunities by Brazilian striker Vinicius Junior, which prevented Madrid from deciding the match.
He stressed that Madrid could have decided the first leg and won by a difference of one or two goals instead of a draw at home.
He continued: “City’s return with the result after Madrid advanced in the first leg indicates the confidence the team gained when it won the tournament in its last edition.”
Players threatened with absence
Four Real Madrid players will be at risk of being absent if they qualify from the first leg of the Champions League semi-final, if they receive a yellow card against Manchester City.
The quartet is Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior, in addition to midfielder Eduardo Camavinga and Dani Carvajal, and this will be due to the accumulation of cards.
French international Aurelien Chouamini, who received a yellow card during the first leg held at the Santiago Bernabeu, will miss today’s match.
The winner of this confrontation will meet the victorious team from the match between Arsenal and Bayern Munich.
Expected lineup
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Goalkeeper: Andrey Lunin. Defense line: Carvajal, Rudiger, Nacho, Mendy.
Midfield: Camavinga, Kroos, Valverde, Bellingham. Offensive line: Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior.
Goalkeeper: Ederson. Defense line: Walker, Stones, Ruben Diaz, Aki.
Midfield: Rodri, Bernardo Silva, De Bruyne. Attacking line: Foden, Grealish, Haaland.
Semi final and final
The 2023-2024 Champions League semi-final matches will begin on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, while the return stage will begin on Tuesday, May 7.
The 2023-2024 Champions League final is set for the first Saturday of June 2024, and will be held at Wembley Stadium in the English capital, London.
Most crowned champion
14 titles: Real Madrid, Spain
7 titles: Milan, Italy
6 titles: Bayern Munich in Germany and Liverpool in England
5 titles: Barcelona, Spain
4 titles: Dutch Ajax
3 titles: Manchester United of England and Inter of Italy
