UEFA Champions League 2021-22 semifinal second leg: Real Madrid v Manchester City Preview, Team News, Possible Line-ups, and Prediction
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Real Madrid will host Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabeu in the UEFA Champions League semi-final second-leg tie on Wednesday. The English side defeated the Los Blancos 4-3 to take the upper hand in the tie.
The last week’s tie in the first leg saw the side from England get the better of Real Madrid as Jesus and De Bruyne gave them a 2-0 lead in just 11 minutes before Benzema pulled one back before the halftime whistle. Two more goals from Silva and Phil Foden put them ahead but Vinicius Jr.’s brilliance and Benzema’s second goal closed the gap between the two teams to just one goal with everything to play for in the second leg.
Real Madrid vs Manchester City: Preview
Real Madrid got their hands on the 35th LaLiga trophy last weekend and are hopeful to continue their successful run in the second-leg tie as well. They have the advantage to play in front of a packed home stadium.
Karim Benzema is having a dream run and will pair up with Vinicius Jr. to make the attacking force stronger. They clinched victories from the mouth of defeat several times which shows their class and quality and will look to do the same to reach yet another Champions League final.
On the other hand, Manchester City is still in the chase for the league title along with Liverpool, who recently reached the Champions League final. The world would want to see both the English side together as they both have a first-leg lead. Guardiola will play the mind game against Carlo Ancelotti and his team will play the counter-attacking game to end Madrid’s hope.
Real Madrid vs Manchester City: Team News
Real Madrid will go on with full strength to emerge victoriously and reach the final but some concerns regarding their defense line remain doubtful. David Alaba was taken off within ten minutes in the first-leg clash and is set to miss the match against the Citizens.
He was also rested in the league match against Espanyol alongside Bale, Hazard, and Luka Jovic who were all named in the squad. Casemiro will also return and pair up with Modric in the midfield. Bale and Hazard will miss out due to injuries.
Meanwhile, Guardiola will look to play the best side to get over the Los Blancos side away from home. Nathan Ake has received a knock in the league match against Leeds and might not be available, Kyle Walker might also return to the side along with Joao Cancelo, who missed the first-leg tie due to suspension.
John Stones also has injury problems which evidently points at Zinchenko at the left-back position for Wednesday’s clash. The rest of the team is totally fit to defend the one-goal lead or score more goals to try and win their first-ever UCL success.
Real Madrid vs Manchester City: Possible Line-ups
Real Madrid Probable XI-
Goalkeeper: Courtois;
Defenders- Vazquez, Militao, Nacho, Mendy;
Midfielders- Kroos, Modric, Casemiro;
Forwards- Benzema, Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo;
Manchester City Probable XI-
Goalkeeper- Ederson;
Defenders- Cancelo, Diaz, Laporte, Zinchenko;
Midfielders- De Bryune, Rodri, Bernardo Silva;
Forwards- Jesus, Foden, Mahrez;
Real Madrid vs Manchester City: Prediction
Real Madrid will get a home advantage over Guardiola’s side as they will look to overcome the one-goal trail and look to take the lead in the tie before Manchester City could settle in the game. Santiago Bernabeu will be a difficult ground to play for the visitors but their characteristics will be seen on the pitch after the whistle starts the play. Guardiola’s side had their chances in the previous game but Real Madrid kept them away from finding any goals.
Real Madrid could be emerging victorious as they have done on many occasions. They will have a foot ahead in the home game and might just break the gap.
Final Prediction: Real Madrid 3-1 Manchester City
Also read: Champions League 2021-22 Semifinals: Real Madrid v Manchester City top five players to watch out for
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Aakash Sadhukhan
(178 Articles Published)