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 number of the greatest objectives of the whole season. And whereas it is going to solely be every week for the reason that groups met, lots has modified.
Over the weekend, Manchester Metropolis acquired a significant enhance within the Premier League titles. This was as a result of their rivals Liverpool and Arsenal each misplaced at dwelling. This has allowed Metropolis to go prime of the desk with a two-point lead and 7 video games to go. Pep Guardiola’s males, like at all times, have peaked on the proper time.
The defending champions have but to lose a single sport within the Champions League this season. In truth, earlier than the primary leg towards Madrid, the Residents had received each sport within the competitors. One of many main enhancements that the workforce has made is the help that Erling Haaland has acquired. Haaland and Julian Alvafez scored six objectives, whereas Phil Foden additionally scored 5 objectives.
Actual Madrid are additionally prime 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 kind within the league and are presently 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. Nonetheless, each are additionally in a rivalry for a treble which makes this a should win sport for each the groups.
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Manchester Metropolis vs Actual Madrid predicted lineups
Manchester Metropolis lineup
Within the first leg, Metropolis had been with out the providers of Kevin de Bruyne, Kyle Walker, and Nathan Ake. All three returned towards Luton, however solely de Bruyne began the sport. Nonetheless, the triumvirate is greater than prone to function within the return leg. Josko Gvardiol, who carried out brilliantly within the first leg, is prone to preserve his place on the workforce.
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 towards Luton. Nonetheless, Guardiola alleviated considerations, 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 towards Mallorca, will take his place on the workforce. Luka Modric and Tchouameni began within the midfield, however Toni Kroos and Eduardo Camavinga will return for the sport. Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr. had been additionally rested for the league sport, that means they are going to be contemporary 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 in all probability essentially the most entertaining sport of the Champions League marketing campaign. And with the best way the 2 groups function, the return leg is prone 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 yr later, Metropolis returned the favour, occurring to win their first title in historical past. Metropolis have the house benefit, one thing they used to trash Madrid 4-0 nearly a yr again.
And with the return of their first workforce gamers, Metropolis have an excessive amount of firepower for his or her Spanish counterparts.
FootTheBall predicts a 3-1 win for Manchester Metropolis.