In a repeat of last season's UEFA Champions League semifinal, Manchester City hosts Real Madrid in the second leg after a 1 - 1 draw in the first leg.
In the first leg of the tie, Real Madrid took the lead through a Vinicius Jr. shot from outside-the-box before City equalized through a Kevin De Bruyne wondergoal in the 67th minute, to set up a crunch second leg match.
The Cityzens are favourites to go through to the final and win the Champions League for the first time in their history, however, they will be wary of the quality and experience of the 14-time winners. They have a lot of momentum heading into the tie, having won all but one of their last seven matches. In addition to this, they could be crowned Premier League champions as early as this weekend if all results go in their favour.
Real Madrid on the other hand won the Copa Del Rey, but have lost the league title to Barcelona and will be looking to add the Champions League to their accolades for the season. Their 1 – 0 win over Girona over the weekend keeps them in a positive state ahead of arguably their toughest match of the season.
Manchester City vs Real Madrid: Team News
Nathan Ake remains a doubt after missing Manchester City’s last two matches with a hamstring injury.
Jack Grealish, John Stones and Bernardo Silva are expected to make a return to City’s starting lineup, while Real Madrid’s major injury worry remains Eduardo Camavinga. However, Carlo Ancelotti has stated that the young Frenchman should be able to make the trip to the Etihad.
Karim Benzema and David Alaba are expected to return after missing the Galacticos’ match with Getafe.
Manchester City vs Real Madrid: Predicted XI
Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Ederson; Walker, Dias, Akanji; Stones, Rodri; Silva, Gundogan, De Bruyne, Grealish; Haaland
Real Madrid possible starting lineup:
Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Alaba; Kroos, Camavinga, Modric; Valverde, Benzema, Vinicius Jr
