Manchester Metropolis vs Actual Madrid preview
After an exhilarating 3-3 draw within the first leg, Manchester Metropolis will welcome Actual Madrid to the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. Within the first leg, each groups pulled again no punches, scoring a few of the greatest objectives of the complete season. And whereas it should solely be every week because the groups met, so much has modified.
Over the weekend, Manchester Metropolis obtained a significant enhance within the Premier League titles. This was as a result of their rivals Liverpool and Arsenal each misplaced at residence. This has allowed Metropolis to go high of the desk with a two-point lead and 7 video games to go. Pep Guardiola’s males, like all the time, have peaked on the proper time.
The defending champions have but to lose a single recreation within the Champions League this season. Actually, earlier than the primary leg in opposition to Madrid, the Residents had received each recreation within the competitors. One of many main enhancements that the crew has made is the help that Erling Haaland has obtained. Haaland and Julian Alvafez scored six objectives, whereas Phil Foden additionally scored 5 objectives.
Actual Madrid are additionally high of their league desk however have a six-point lead over Barcelona. They’re additionally undefeated within the Champions League until now. Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham are the highest scorers, every with 4 objectives. Bellingham and Vinicius Jr have been the creator-in-chiefs with 4 assists every to their title.
Los Balcos are in imperious type within the league and are at present on a 25-game unbeaten streak. Carlo Ancelotti’s males have solely misplaced two video games all through the season. Each Metropolis and Madrid have a substantial benefit within the league. Nevertheless, each are additionally in a rivalry for a treble which makes this a should win recreation for each the groups.
Learn Extra: The stats behind Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga title profitable campiagn
Manchester Metropolis vs Actual Madrid predicted lineups
Manchester Metropolis lineup
Within the first leg, Metropolis have been with out the providers of Kevin de Bruyne, Kyle Walker, and Nathan Ake. All three returned in opposition to Luton, however solely de Bruyne began the sport. Nevertheless, the triumvirate is greater than more likely to function within the return leg. Josko Gvardiol, who carried out brilliantly within the first leg, is more likely to maintain his place on the crew.
The return of de Bruyne will give Metropolis a artistic edge within the midfield. John Stones didn’t even make the bench for the sport in opposition to Luton. Nevertheless, Guardiola alleviated issues, stating that it was a precautionary measure and the defender would begin the second leg.
Manchester Metropolis beginning XI: Ederson: Gvardiol, Stones, Dias, Walker: Silva, Rodri, de Bruyne: Foden, Haaland, Grealish
Actual Madrid lineup
Actual Madrid suffered an enormous blow within the first minutes of the primary leg when Aurelien Tchouaméni was given a yellow card. Which means that he’s suspended for the return leg. Nacho, who performed on the weekend in opposition to Mallorca, will take his place on the crew. Luka Modric and Tchouameni began within the midfield, however Toni Kroos and Eduardo Camavinga will return for the sport. Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr. have been additionally rested for the league recreation, which means they are going to be recent for the conflict.
Actual Madrid beginning XI: Lunin: Mendy, Nacho, Rudiger, Carvajal; Valverde, Camavinga, Kroos; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr
Manchester Metropolis vs Actual Madrid predictions
The primary leg was most likely essentially the most entertaining recreation of the Champions League marketing campaign. And with the way in which the 2 groups function, the return leg is more likely to be as entertaining, if no more. That is the third consecutive time the 2 groups have confronted one another within the Champions League.
Within the 2021-22 season, Madrid made a late comeback to win the sport and the title. A 12 months later, Metropolis returned the favour, happening to win their first title in historical past. Metropolis have the house benefit, one thing they used to trash Madrid 4-0 nearly a 12 months again.
And with the return of their first crew gamers, Metropolis have an excessive amount of firepower for his or her Spanish counterparts.
FootTheBall predicts a 3-1 win for Manchester Metropolis.
