Man. City vs. Real Madrid Champions League Semi-final Preview

Real Madrid staved off Chelsea’s efforts to set up a showdown between them and last season’s losing finalists, Manchester City. Manchester City are looking to clinch their maiden champion’s league trophy while the gaffer seeks to quench his 10-year Champions League trophy drought. The Spanish giants are serial winners, and their inexplicable run will favor them.

We talk about predictions, odds, game changers, and everything you need to know heading into the Anglo-Spanish clash in this writeup according to Vwin sports platform. Let’s preview the action slated for April 26th, 2022.

Past Match Facts
Both sides are neck-to-neck for steely displays. The sides have faced each other eight times. Two ended in a draw, with three wins for either side. However, the Citizens beat Real Madrid in the 2019 fixture on both legs, albeit a weaker Real Madrid side.

Head-to-head statistics usually don’t matter at this stage of the competition. You can’t predict a winner based on past stats, but you can tell that both teams will score, forming a basis for your bet. Now, who will win?

Why will Manchester City win?
No other team can withstand City’s relentless pressing and accurate passing in the world except Liverpool. The latter knocked out Guardiola’s men in the FA Cup semifinal and are in a tightly contested race for the Premier League trophy.

Manchester City’s unparalleled depth of quality players is the standout aspect that will potentially determine the match-winner. Aymeric Laporte recently made a bold statement that read in part,” We have done very well, and I am sure we can beat them.” The strong statement signifies the general atmosphere at the Etihad – winning.

However, Manchester City were nowhere near their best when facing Atletico Madrid despite the hostile Wanda Metropolitano atmosphere. Still, they received plaudits, and many football pundits are backing them to head into the final and win the trophy.

The End of the Road for Real Madrid (or Not)
Sure, the runaway LA Liga champions have enjoyed an inexplicable run facing formidable opponents such as Paris Saint Germain and Chelsea. The talismanic figure of Karim Benzema causes nightmares among many Chelsea fans and may be the nail in the coffin for Manchester City if they don’t keep up with Modric’s and Vinicius Junior’s crosses to the head of the French star.

But the way Chelsea outplayed Real Madrid for 75 minutes is still an issue that makes me question whether the Los Blancos have it in them to win. Carlo Ancelotti’s men are still in the rebuilding phase, and the gears haven’t quite clicked in while Guardiola has been instilling his philosophy at the Etihad for years.

If we go by Champions League history, the toughest path to the final churns out the winner; Real Madrid may upset many pundits. Remember, Real Madrid have the next Balon d or winner, Karim Benzema captaining them. Bet against the 13 peat Champions League winners at your own peril.

The Ones to Watch
Both Manchester City and Real Madrid have game-changing players in every position. Real Madrid are blessed with the talismanic Benzema, a pacy Vinicius, venerable Modric, and tricky winger Eden Hazard.

The Citizens boast of a skillful Mahrez, talisman Kevin De Bruyne and the best right/left back Cancelo. But the key game-changers will be:
– Kevin De Bruyne
– Karim Benzema

The two players have individual brilliance that comes to light on the big stage, such as in the Champions League clashes. Whichever team wins, Kevin and Benzema will be in the thick of things.
Outlook
The Spanish and English giants go toe to toe in the first leg of the Champions League semifinal on the 26th at the Etihad. We will keep you updated on injuries, odds, highlights, and everything Champions League football. Stay tuned.