While Real Madrid tries to defend its UEFA Champions League title, a draw against Manchester City in the semifinals could pose the biggest threat to their status. These two European giants met under similar circumstances in the semifinals of last season’s tournament, and although Madrid emerged victorious then, a draw took a toll on the fans and management of the Galacticos. However, the Whites should be confident after winning the Spanish Cup on Saturday against Osasuna (2-1), which brought them their third trophy of the season following their successes in the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup earlier. Bringing the 15th Champions League trophy to the Spanish capital is now the ultimate goal of Carlo Ancelotti’s men, and the team has everything it needs to take another step towards achieving it. Moreover, they can further improve their already impressive record by winning 13 out of their last 16 European home games. Mendy, Militao, and Seballos, who has a muscle injury, will not be able to take the field in this confrontation.
For Manchester City, there is a feeling of “now or never” this season in their seemingly endless pursuit of their first Champions League title. With a striker like Erling Haaland, who scores relentlessly in almost every match, this is really the best time for City right now. However, they managed to succeed without his goals on Saturday, although it was not their best performance of the season, as they struggled to beat Leeds 2-1 in the Premier League, thus retaining their lead in the English league. Attention quickly turns to European battles, and overcoming the psychological barrier of Real Madrid is essential. They knocked City out in two of the last three semi-finals of this tournament. The same obstacles stand in front of Pep Guardiola, who, despite winning the Champions League twice as a coach, watched his team exit in the semi-finals in six out of the last nine attempts. Today, Mendy, Palmer, and Ake, who has an Achilles injury, will not be able to help their team.
