Real Madrid host Manchester City tonight in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final. In the first leg it only took two minutes for Kevin De Bruyne put City into the lead. Real Madrid were shocking at the back and only nine minutes later, Gabriel Jesus doubled City’s advantage. It looked like we were headed for a complete dismantling but Madrid fought back and we were treated to one of the best matches in recent memory. When the full time whistle was blown it was Manchester City 4 Real Madrid 3.
Fresh off of winning La Liga, Los Blancos spirits will be high and with Karim Benzema leading the line anything is possible. The Frenchman is the top scorer in this year’s competition and scored twice in the first leg. If they are to advance to the final he will surely need to find the back of the net. Will Carlo Ancelotti’s team try to take the game to City or will they sit back and try to hit on the counter? I would think there will be a hint of caution to their approach because as always, the first goal will change everything.
Pep Guardiola has been accused of overthinking these semi-finals and finals in the past but I think his team essentially picks itself today. He will continue with the team that established a lead in the first leg plus he gets to bring back Joao Cancelo at right back. That spot was the weak point that Real Madrid exploited and now it becomes a strength. Riyad Mahrez wasted a couple of chances and I believe that he and the rest of City’s attacking players will be more clinical today.
Like yesterday’s match, I can see anything happening. Manchester City are clearly a better team but Real Madrid have the pedigree and seem to have luck on their side. I’m staying away from predicting a winner but I think this match will have plenty of goals and cards. I’m betting Manchester City team total over 1.5 goals at -130 on DraftKings.
