Real Madrid's quest for an unprecedented 15th UEFA Champions League title meets a stern test in the form of Manchester City Football Club.
In what is deemed by many to be the final before the actual final, two of Europe’s biggest clubs face-off at the Bernabeu in a battle for supremacy. The general consensus is that the winner of this semi-final tie will go on to be crowned winners, hence the buzz around the match is electrifying.
In a repeat of last season’s UEFA Champions League semi-final matchup, where Real Madrid came from a two-goal aggregate deficit to win 6 – 5 with three goals from Rodrygo Goes (two goals) and Karim Benzema (one goal), Pep Guardiola locks horns with the veteran Carlo Ancelotti in a tie that already has the makings of a Champions League classic.
Real Madrid defeated Chelsea 4 – 0 over two legs in the quarterfinal, while Manchester City sealed a 4 – 1 demolition of German champions Bayern Munich to set up this crunch meeting with Europe’s most successful team.
Real Madrid vs Manchester City: Team News
The Spanish giants will be without Eder Militao who is suspended for the first leg of the tie. Dani Ceballos is also out of the tie with a quadriceps problem while Ferland Mendy could be fit enough to feature. On a much positive note, Luka Modric seems to have fended off his hamstring problems, and should be available for selection.
Manchester City on the other hand will be missing the services of Nathan Ake who went off injured in their weekend game against Leeds. Cole Palmer has been named in City’s matchday squad despite worries about his ankle.
Real Madrid possible starting lineup:
Courtois; Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, Camavinga; Valverde, Kroos, Modric; Rodrygo, Benzema, Vinicius Jr
Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Ederson; Walker, Dias, Akanji; Stones, Rodri; Silva, De Bruyne, Gundogan, Grealish; Haaland
