Champions League 2021-22 Semifinals: Real Madrid v Manchester City top five players to watch out for
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Manchester City visits Santiago Bernabeu for their second leg clash against Real Madrid in the Champions League Semi-final on Wednesday, following a first-leg classic that finished 4-3 in favor of Pep Guardiola’s men last week. Real Madrid is aiming to overturn a 4-3 deficit against City following last week’s thrilling first leg in Manchester.
That was the joint-highest scoring semi-final first leg in the competition’s history, along with Liverpool 5-2 Roma in 2017-18, and more drama awaits in the Spanish capital.
Surprisingly, Real Madrid will be without their usual center-back pairing as David Alaba is not expected to make it back in time following an injury sustained in the first leg. The likes of Eden Hazard, Gareth Bale, and Luka Jovic also remain out of contention.
As for Man City, Kyle Walker will once again miss out with an ankle injury, although the visitors will recall Joao Cancelo back to European action after the Portuguese served a suspension in the first leg. John Stones is once again in doubt to feature, as is Nathan Ake after sustaining a knock at Elland Road last time out.
Here is a list of the top-five players on whom all the eyes are likely to be during the clash-
5. Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin de Bruyne has been back to his very best with 15 goals and 12 assists in all competitions. Against Real Madrid in the first leg, his performance was outstanding as he tormented his opponents.
His run for the opening goal was brilliant and so was the finish. The Belgian player beautifully set up City’s second goal with a fine, diagonal cross for Jesus and created a succession of other chances for his teammates.
4. Gabriel Jesus
Gabriel Jesus is currently on a hot streak in front of the goal post as he has scored seven and assisted a further two in five matches in all competition. His selection in the first leg was justified as he shrugged off David Alaba and slid home City’s second. His work rate and tenacity will be crucial for City’s high pressing system.
3. Vinicius Junior
Vinicius Junior has taken his game to a whole another level this season with seventeen goals and fifteen assists in all competitions. He has the joint-most assist in Champions League this season (six) along with Bruno Fernandes and Leroy Sane.
In a quiet first-half performance in the first leg, he came to life with a wonderful solo goal and had the beating of Fernandinho in the second half. He is expected to start the Los Blancos’ play from the left side of their attack.
2. Riyad Mahrez
He is the Mr. Champions League for Manchester City so far. Mahrez has scored many crucial goals for City in the Champions League this season with his strikes against PSG last season in semi finals proving vital for them reaching the final last year.
The Algerian player had Ferland Mendy begging for mercy with his silky smooth dribbles and tricks in the first leg. An excellent assist for the opener as he cut inside from the right, ran past a crowd of defenders, and crossed for De Bruyne. His form will be crucial for Manchester City on Wednesday.
1. Karim Benzema
Death, Taxes, and Benzema scoring a goal this season are inevitable. Benzema with his scintillating performance and goal-scoring prowess is in contention for Ballon d’Or at the end of the season. He is the top scorer in Champions League this season with 13 goals and rescued Real Madrid on a number of occasions this season. Fans can expect him to pull on another masterclass performance on Wednesday.
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Sujeeth Shetty
(766 Articles Published)