It will be a special occasion for Manchester City on Tuesday as they play in the Champions League semi-finals for the first time. They host Real Madrid, the team that has won this trophy the most times in history. The two sides have met in the group stage of the 2012-2013 edition of this competition. Back then Real Madrid won 3-2 in Spain and drew 1-1 in England, with Karim Benzema scoring in both matches. Last summer the two teams met in a friendly match which was won 4-1 by Real Madrid.
Manchester City beat Stoke 4-0 last weekend in the Premier League, consolidating their place in the top four. However, Champions League football is not yet guaranteed, so the Citizens should keep some of their strengths for the last three matches of the Premier League season if they want to secure the top-four finish. Things have gone a lot better in Europe as they reached the semi-finals for the first time and lost just two games, both against Juventus in the group stage. Yaya Toure picked up a knock during the league match against Stoke and he will miss out on Tuesday.
Real Madrid are back in the race for the Primera Liga title as they are trailing Barcelona and Atletico Madrid by just one point. Last weekend they nearly choked under pressure against lowly Rayo Vallecano, but they pulled it together and eventually won 3-2. That win came at a price though as Karim Benzema picked up a knock that will prevent him from playing on Tuesday. Cristiano Ronaldo missed the league match due to a groin strain but he should be ready to play in the Champions League match.
Probable line-ups:
Man City: Hart - Sagna, Kompany, Otamendy, Clichy - Fernando, Fernandinho - Navas, Silva, De Bruyne - Aguero
Real Madrid: Navas - Carvajal, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo - Kroos, Casemiro, Modric - Bale, Vazquez, Ronaldo
My prediction: 1-1 draw.
Man City win - 3.00 Draw - 3.40 Real Madrid win - 2.50
sharpe
7 years ago
Not many people thought Man City could be a mach for Real in this semi final because of the disastrous season team have in the Premier League. In the end it wasn't easy for Real to overcome City but they've done that. It was really miserable season for City but at least they've reached the semis in the CL.
Please enter your comment.
Your comment is added.
Alexa Alexa 7 years ago
I am pretty disappointed with this match.To be honest,I did not expect too much chances or goals,but I expected to see litle bit more offense from both teams.Neither of two teams was brave.Los Blancos had few chances but Joe Hart was on top level tonight.It will be very interesting in the second leg,but I expect Citizens...
I am pretty disappointed with this match.To be honest,I did not expect too much chances or goals,but I expected to see litle bit more offense from both teams.Neither of two teams was brave.Los Blancos had few chances but Joe Hart was on top level tonight.It will be very interesting in the second leg,but I expect Citizens to advance to the finals.
Show morePlease enter your comment.
Your comment is added.
mannixx
7 years ago
Manchester City: Hart; Zabaleta, Kompany, Otamendi, Clichy; Fernandinho, Fernando, Silva, Navas, De Bruyne; Agüero. Real Madrid: Navas; Carvajal, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo; Casemiro, Kroos, Modrić; Bale, Vazquez, Benzema. Big suprise Ronaldo isnt in first eleven!
Please enter your comment.
Your comment is added.
Milaneli
7 years ago
Yeaaa, Champions League is back. That sound intro makes me go wild when I hear it. It is semi finals, teams that deserved to be here are playing. So I wouldn't point out anyone as favourite for tonights match, or the match day after that. Manchester City has been doing great lately, so them grabing positive result is an...
Yeaaa, Champions League is back. That sound intro makes me go wild when I hear it. It is semi finals, teams that deserved to be here are playing. So I wouldn't point out anyone as favourite for tonights match, or the match day after that. Manchester City has been doing great lately, so them grabing positive result is an real option. If you asked me this question just few months back I would make jokes about it. Real Madrid is playing amazingly aswell since Zidane took over, only doubt I have are recent injuries by Ronaldo and Benzema, so they won't be 100% fit that is for sure.
Show morePlease enter your comment.
Your comment is added.
mannixx
7 years ago
It will be interesting game thats for sure. But maybe Manchester City even have a litlle advantage cuz their coach Pellegrini is ex coach of Real Madrid, so he definetley knows players of real very good and also Benzema and Ronaldo arent 100% fit , so who knows what can heapen.
Please enter your comment.
Your comment is added.
king_david
7 years ago
Real Madrid in the current season in all competitions played well at away, defeated in three games. I expect their victory! Benzema is one of the key players for the team, he will miss the team tonight. Decide stronger midfield, expect great game Kroos and Modric. Hard match with few goals.
Please enter your comment.
Your comment is added.
milo?.sekuli?
7 years ago
I give an advantage to Real Madrid. Although City is in great shape , I think they got lucky they got this far. Real Madrid simply has more quality. Ronaldo can make a difference on the ground against any team. I expect it will be the same case tonight, and that he will score at least one goal. My prediction- Real to win...
I give an advantage to Real Madrid. Although City is in great shape , I think they got lucky they got this far. Real Madrid simply has more quality. Ronaldo can make a difference on the ground against any team. I expect it will be the same case tonight, and that he will score at least one goal. My prediction- Real to win 2:1.
Show morePlease enter your comment.
Your comment is added.
nik92 7 years ago
A pity that both team probably will not be in full composition. I believe that Benzema and Yaya Toure are very important players for their teams. Man.City is in a series of seven games without defeat in all competitions, and play very well at home. Real Maddrid has shown that he is vulnerable away from home this season,...
A pity that both team probably will not be in full composition. I believe that Benzema and Yaya Toure are very important players for their teams. Man.City is in a series of seven games without defeat in all competitions, and play very well at home. Real Maddrid has shown that he is vulnerable away from home this season, classic example was the last game when, after 15 minutes losing 2 : 0 against Rayo. Although, I must mention that the Real Madrid a lot depends on Ronaldo, and the right-back Danilo, who was brought this year for big money, is an even bigger failure. It all looks much better when is in the game Dani Carvajal. I hope that tonight we will watch an interesting match with goals.
Show morePlease enter your comment.
Your comment is added.