Manchester City have reached the semi-final stage for the first time, they are in uncharted territory as their opponents are Real Madrid, the most experienced club in the competition. In contrast to Manchester City, this will be Real Madrid’s sixth consecutive Champions League semi-final, consistency at its best.
Though in the past six Semi-finals, the Spanish giants have only gone through to the finals only once, back in 2013/14 season, when they went on to win the trophy and claimed the ‘La Decima’, their 10th European Cup victory.
Although among all the available draws, Real Madrid were the easiest for the Sky Blues as they are not in a great run this year, conceding 3 at Wolfsburg and 2 against Rayo is a clear sign of their poor defense. Thus in this competition, Real Madrid is arguably one of the most favourable opponents for Man City.
Probable Starting Line-up:
Goalkeepers:
The amazing Keylor Navas will start in goal for the Spanish Giants on the other hand City’s Champions League saviour Joe Hart will be the last line of defense for the Sky Blues. Both of the goalkeepers have been in brilliant form recently. Hart has saved all of the last 3 penalties in the UEFA Champions League but has also done some mistakes. With Sergio Aguero and Ronaldo as the opponent strikers, it is obviously going to be a tough night for both of them.
Defense:
Starting with Manchester City, the club captain Vincent Kompany has been the player with most no of injuries this season, and whenever Kompany has not played, the City defense have struggled badly. But it is a big boost for the club as Pellegrini has confirmed that Kompany will start tonight. Mangala is expected to join Kompany in the Centre Back position, he has been in good form in the past two or three matches and his strength and pace will be needed to hold Real Madrid’s quick counters. Gayle Clichy and Sagna will be fielded as full backs as usual. For Real Madrid Carvajal and Marcelo will operate as full backs whereas Pepe and Ramos will be the Centre Back pair to put pressure on the Argentine Sergio Aguero.
Midfield:
Pellegrini will field a 4-2-3-1 formation against a 4-3-3 of Zidane’s Madrid, thus, City can dominate the midfield if they play a better passing game today. Fernando and Fernandinho are the only available defensive midfielder for City today and they will start. On the other hand, Madrid will play with a single pivot, Casemiro, who was brilliant in their 1-2 El Clasico victory at the Nou Camp. Kroos and Modric will operate centrally whereas City’s Kevin De Bruyne and Navas will operate in the flanks will David Silva in the attacking midfield.
Forwards:
Real Madrid have a forward line-up which can be any defense’s nightmare, especially on a Champions League night. Bale, Ronaldo, and Jese are expected to start as Karim Benzema limped off in the Rayo game last week. But City’s Sergio Aguero, who scored four goals this week in the Premier League, can turn any match single handily in City’s favour.