Manchester City and Real Madrid go into their Champions League semi-final second leg after playing out a 1-1 draw in the first leg. Vinicius Junior’s spectacular first-half goal was negated in the first leg by another flash of brilliance from Kevin De Bruyne, albeit controversy erupted when replays seemed to indicate the latter’s goal should not have stood since the ball had already left the pitch. But that’s all in the past, as two of Europe’s top heavyweights are now knotted on aggregate and prepared to face off for a spot on the main club football stage.
Man City team news
Despite Nathan Ake’s hamstring injury, he underwent a late fitness test prior to the weekend’s victory against Everton. Possibly to avoid needless danger, the Dutch defender sat out the game, but Pep Guardiola said he felt “much better.” Guardiola rested John Stones, Bernardo Silva, Jack Grealish, and Kevin De Bruyne against Everton with this game in mind, so he has no further worries.
Man City team news
Prior to the weekend’s victory against Everton, Nathan Ake, who has been dealing with a hamstring problem, had a late fitness test. Pep Guardiola said he was feeling “much better” despite the Dutch defender sitting out, maybe to avoid taking an unnecessary risk. Otherwise, Guardiola has no worries because he rested John Stones, Bernardo Silva, Jack Grealish, and Kevin De Bruyne against Everton with this game in mind.
Man City vs Real Madrid score prediction
Real Madrid isn’t afraid to stand back and give their opponents the ball, and they’ll happily replicate that strategy at the Etihad as Manchester City gets ready to have more than 60% of the ball. However, such statistic has no bearing on this fixture. Los Blancos are dangerous on the counter and skilled at drawing teams in, but City’s firepower could be simply too much to handle in this situation. The fact that Guardiola’s team has one hand on the Premier League championship has them fired up, and they will be licking their lips at the prospect of a triple. Expect both teams to score a tonne of goals, but City could just win.
Prediction: Man City 3-2 Real Madrid
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