Real Madrid vs Manchester City – UEFA Champions League – Preview

Posted on May 4, 2016 by Sreya

Real Madrid hosts Manchester City at Santiago Bernabeu on 4th May, Wednesday for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-finals. Manchester City will be hopeful of their chances of progressing to their maiden Champions League final after the first leg ended in a 0-0 draw.

A positive result for the English club will not only allow Manuel Pellegrini’s side create history, but it will also help the UEFA co-efficient of the English clubs which plays a crucial role in the number of clubs qualifying for Europe’s premier competition every season.

Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid, who knocked out Bayern Munich courtesy the ‘away goal’ rule last night, would look forward to the result as Real Madrid’s progress will provide the Spanish club with a chance for their Champions League final defeat two seasons back.

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Team News

Karim Benzema and Casemiro are doubtful for the match. David Silva and Pablo Zabaleta are sidelined through injuries while Samir Nasri is ineligible.

Real Madrid Possible Starting Lineup: Keylor Navas, Daniel Carvajal, Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo, Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lucas Vasquez.

Manchester City Possible Starting Lineup: Joe Hart, Bacary Sagna, Vincent Kompany, Nicolas Otamendi, Gael Clichy, Fernando, Fernandinho, Jesus Navas, Yaya Toure, Kevin de Bruyne, Sergio Aguero.

Thoughts From Both Camps

“Casemiro and Karim Benzema are different cases, we don’t want to risk Benzema at the moment and Casemiro has a slight problem. However we have a big squad that can help us cover all options.”

– Zinedine Zidane, Real Madrid.

“The pressure is high in the Bernabeu, so it is important that we are focused. But we have the personality, mentality and the football to be able to deal with that. This is a big game for the club and I know how lucky we are because it’s not every season that you play in semi final of the Champions League.

A special moment for the players and club, but the moment will only be special if we go through. We’re ready for it and we’re looking forward to making history.”

– Manuel Pellegrini, Manchester City.

Contributor’s Pick

According to Head-2-Head statistics, Real Madrid have won two and drawn two of their previous four meetings with Manchester City. While Manchester City are undefeated in their last six UEFA Champions League matches, Real Madrid have not lost eleven of their last twelve European games.

It should be a closely contested affair but Real Madrid are likely to go through to the finals, with a 2-1 win in favor of the hosts being the most likely outcome of this match.

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