Two of the heavyweights in the Champions League meet at the Etihad on Saturday evening, but will be the Citizens be able to reach the quarterfinals as Pep Guardiola looks for a first European success in nine years?
Champions League Preview
Manchester City are seen by many as the leading side in the Champions League this season. The ex-Premier League champions have recently lost their top-flight crown to Liverpool, but a success in the elite European competition would certainly make up for that. City’s target has been for success in the Champions League since Sheikh Mansour arrived at the club. The hosts will come into this second leg with the crucial advantage having won the first leg at the Bernabeu 2-1.
Kevin De Bruyne inspired the City win, as he scored the vital winning goal. Gabriel Jesus had equalised just a couple of minutes before, after Isco had put Real Madrid ahead in the game. City’s chances of winning the second leg will hinge on whether they are able to cut out defensive errors that have been costly throughout the season. Their recent form has been excellent, as they had won their last five in the Premier League. They also won three fixtures 5-0 during this run of form.
Real Madrid are also in excellent form, as they were determined to reclaim the La Liga title. Since the restart, they have won ten of their eleven fixtures. The only blotch on that record came in their final game of the season, as a much-changed Madrid side drew 2-2 with Leganes. They have been more efficient than brilliant since the restart, but their knack of winning games shouldn’t be overlooked by gamblers as they travel to the Etihad.
Manchester City vs Real Madrid Head To Head
Manchester City’s win in the first leg was the first ever time that they had beaten Real Madrid. Before that success, Real had won two of the four meetings. However, the Spanish side have never won at the Etihad, and that will be something that has to change if they are to get through to the next round.
Manchester City vs Real Madrid Prediction
This promises to be an intriguing match-up, but it is likely to be a cagey match. Madrid will have to come out and try and score, and that will play straight into City’s hands. However, the preference for the match at the Etihad would be for the draw.
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