The semifinal round of the UEFA Champions League is starting tonight with the match between Manchester City and Real Madrid. Manchester City, the Premier League table topper, are set to welcome the Spanish giants, Real Madrid, at Etihad Stadium. It is the first leg of the semifinal. Real Madrid will host the second leg at Santiago Bernabeu.
Recent Forms & Stats
Real Madrid are one of the most successful clubs in the history of the UEFA Champions League, having won the title 13 times. On the other hand, Manchester City haven’t won the UCL for once. Last season, they reached the final but lost to Chelsea FC.
However, both teams are playing brilliantly this season. Real Madrid and Manchester City are both leading the table in their respective leagues. Moreover, Man City thrashed Watford in their last match with five goals, while Real Madrid won their last game against Osasuna.
Man City played six games with Real Madrid in the European competition. The English side couldn’t register a victory in the first four games. They lost two and have drawn two matches. But the Citizens leveled the stats by winning two games last year. They beat Real Madrid in both legs of the Round of 16 last year.
Team News
Man City manager Pep Guardiola has provided the news about his squad. He is still doubtful about the fitness of Kyle Walker and Jonh Stones. But Guardiola will wait for them until the last minute. However, Man City will miss the service of Joao Cancelo for his suspension. So, Zinchenko is likely to play tonight.
On the other hand, Real Madrid may miss the service of Casemiro. He got a knock in the last game. But Carlo Ancelotti is hopeful to get him in tonight’s clash. Eduardo Camavinga is an option for Ancelotti if Casemiro is unavailable.
Guardiola’s Thoughts
Pep Guardiola has had a press conference ahead of the Madrid clash. There he talked about Real Madrid. He said,
It is not necessary to say how good Real Madrid are. If we have to compete with their history, we don’t have any chance. The history is there, we can’t change it, but it’s 11 against 11 with one ball moving. We will try to be ourselves, and compete well. We need to play two exceptional games to reach the final.