The Santiago Bernabeu is ready to host the power-packed 2nd leg of the knockout phase of the UEFA Champions League.
This match is a do-or-die situation for both the European heavyweights who look to continue their Champions league’s legacy. With the last three Champions league winners among both the teams, it will be a treat for the football connoisseurs.
After winning the first leg 3-2 at the Etihad, Real Madrid would be feeling a bit comfortable as they will now be playing at their home, with the Bernabeu brimming with confidence. The home crowd will act as the 12th player on the field.
Even with the home advantage, Carlo Ancelotti’s men would never underestimate Manchester City and Pep Guardiola, who knows how to turn it around when in the thick of it. Pep Guardiola, considered as the modern time great, has always been applauded for his tactical style of play which has gone on to influence the current football scenario exponentially.
Pep’s masterclass ?
Pep Guardiola will have a trick or two up his sleeve which will raise some eyebrows but will ultimately be a decisive factor of the match.
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The first leg was the perfect example as Pep decided to field 4 Centre-backs in the whole of defence and also John Stones as holding midfielder, as crazy as it might sound it worked wonders as City kept good possession of the ball and were playing the city-way until Manuel Akanji got injured.
It can be expected from City to field the same defence line with only Akanji getting replaced due to injury. The midfield could see a major change as Nico Gonzalez might have just earned his place in the team sheet after a superb game played by him over the weekend.
Also Omar Marmoush could play at the left wing as he looked lethal in the last game where he bagged a hattrick inside 14 minutes and also considering Jack Grealish got injured in the last game, the place might just be up for grabs. Otherwise, no other change seems likely but Guardiola might just surprise us all.
Ancelotti’s man-management
As tactical as Pep likes to get, Carlo Ancelotti likes to keep it the same. Don Carlo likes to field his trusted eleven even if they have to play out of position.
With a severely diminished backline, Aurelien Tchouameni and Fede Valverde are filling in the defence until the return of Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba and Lucas Vaszquez.
Rudiger might play as he has recovered from his injury before the scheduled return and it remains to be seen if he has attained match fitness or not.
Other than that, Ancelotti might not make any changes to the team that played the 1st leg a week ago.
Season under Scrutiny
With both teams struggling with injuries, this season has not been the best for both the teams but on a Champions League night you can count on them to put up a display. From the last three years, we have seen this match-up every year in the Champions league and the winner of this match has gone on to win the trophy eventually.
But this time around, the meeting has arrived before the scheduled time thanks to the new format of the Champions League.
What to Expect ?
You can expect the atmosphere to be electric as the roof of the Bernabeu would be closed to amplify the home crowd who would be charged after the tifo antics at the Etihad. It will be seen if City get intimidated by the crowd or if Guardiola has the perfect tactics to change the game. After all, a one goal lead is always there for the taking.
Also Read- Manchester City vs Real Madrid: UCL Clash Preview And Prediction
