Estadio Santiago Bernabeu is the venue as Real Madrid and Manchester City go head-to-head in the first leg of their blockbuster Champions League semi-final tie.
After practically surrendering domestic supremacy to arch-rivals Barcelona, Real Madrid found some consolation in beating Osasuna 2-1 in last weekend’s Copa del Rey semi-final to set themselves up nicely for this encounter. Even though Madrid’s indifferent four-game form in all competitions (W2, L2) doesn’t inspire much confidence, Carlo Ancelotti’s men can find inspiration in their outrageous run of 13 wins from their last 16 European outings on home turf (D1, L2). Indeed, ‘Los Merengues’ have won all five home matches in this season’s Champions League, including four via multi-goal margins. Furthermore, since Mohamed Salah’s strike in Madrid’s scintillating 5-2 romping of Liverpool in the first leg of their last-16 tie, the Spaniards have gone 346 minutes of Champions League action without conceding.
On the other hand, Manchester City’s never-ending pursuit of a maiden Champions League crown has seen them go unbeaten in all ten European fixtures this term (W6, D4), including back-to-back multi-goal aggregate wins over Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig in the opening two knockout rounds. However, it’s worth noting that four of Man City’s five away matches in this season’s Champions League have ended level (W1), with each draw featuring under 2.5 goals, highlighting the potential for a cagey, low-scoring affair. But in addition to seeking amends for last season’s heartbreaking semi-final exit at the hands of Madrid, the ‘Citizens’ could make history this midweek. After a 2-1 triumph in February 2020, Pep Guardiola’s team could become the first English side to beat ‘Los Merengues’ away from home in the Champions League on multiple occasions.
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