Fourteen-time winners Real Madrid will tackle the present holders, Manchester City, within the first leg of the quarterfinals on the Bernabeu on Tuesday, a rematch of final yr’s unforgettable Champions League semifinal.
Just below a yr in the past, Pep Guardiola’s males dismantled Los Blancos 5-1 over two legs to storm into the ultimate.
However, the 2 soccer giants performed out a memorable draw within the Spanish capital earlier than the Cityzens ran riot on the Etihad.
Real Madrid, no strangers to intense knockout clashes with their Manchester counterparts, are desirous to appropriate final yr’s Etihad embarrassment.
Carlo Ancelotti’s Whites are in superb type, suggesting that Tuesday’s hosts may snatch the crown from the Sky Blues’ grasp.
After a painful Copa del Rey exit by the hands of Atletico Madrid in mid-January, the “almost” La Liga champions have rallied, going unbeaten in 13 matches throughout all competitions.
This features a considerably unconvincing two-legged victory over RB Leipzig within the Champions League spherical of 16.
A 1-0 away win was adopted by a 1-1 draw on the Santiago Bernabeu within the second leg, sufficient to ship the 14-time European champions into the quarterfinals for the fourth consecutive season.
Real Madrid haven’t been eradicated at this stage of the competitors since 2004.
Since their defeat to Monaco in 2004, Los Blancos have gained every of their final 11 Champions League quarterfinal ties.
They head into the conflict with Man City on the again of a three-game La Liga successful streak, scoring 10 objectives in opposition to Celta Vigo, Osasuna and Athletic Bilbao.
With a nine-day break since their 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao, which stored them eight factors clear on the high of the La Liga desk, Real Madrid purpose to increase their outstanding 26-game unbeaten run at dwelling.
Their final defeat at dwelling was in opposition to Villarreal in April 2023.
Real Madrid have conceded just one aim of their final 5 dwelling video games in all competitions, a aim scored by RB Leipzig’s Willi Orban.
However, the Cityzens arrive in Madrid boasting a robust away file within the Champions League this season.
After a flawless group stage, Pep Guardiola’s facet comfortably dispatched Danish champions Copenhagen within the final 16 with two 3-1 victories.
They have impressively scored three objectives in every of their eight Champions League matches up to now this season.
Since their 1-1 draw on the Bernabeu final yr, Manchester City haven’t did not win within the Champions League, boasting a 10-match successful streak, the second-longest within the match’s historical past.
Their unbeaten run within the competitors stands at 21 matches since a 3-1 loss to Real Madrid in 2022.
Guardiola’s facet, coming off a 4-2 win in opposition to Crystal Palace within the Premier League, stay in pursuit of Arsenal and Liverpool within the title race.
They have prevented defeat of their final 25 video games in all competitions, successful 11 of their final 12 away matches.
Man City’s present 10-match successful streak within the Champions League started with a 4-0 win over Real Madrid final May.
However, solely one among Real Madrid’s 5 dwelling matches in opposition to City has resulted in defeat.
With Eder Militao again from damage, Real Madrid have solely Thibaut Courtois and David Alaba sidelined.
Militao made a late look in opposition to Athletic Bilbao, however Ancelotti might select to not begin him simply but.
Vinicius Junior is again from suspension for Real Madrid, which means former Manchester City participant Brahim Diaz will possible begin on the bench in opposition to his previous membership.
Man City have some defensive damage considerations, with Josko Gvardiol unsure for the primary leg.
However, Manuel Akanji has confirmed himself able to being a left-back, and Guardiola might choose to start out him. Ederson, Bernardo Silva, and Phil Foden are anticipated to return to the beginning lineup.
Source: www.dailysabah.com