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Sri Lanka cricket team arrives in Dhaka Sunday
The Sri Lanka national cricket team is all set to arrive in Dhaka on Sunday morning to take part in a two-match Test series against Bangladesh starting from May 15 in Chattogram.
This series is a part of the ongoing cycle of the ICC World Test Championship.
Bangladesh played five Tests in this event so far and managed to win only one against New Zealand earlier this year. In their last series against South Africa recently, Bangladesh lost both matches.
Bangladesh has already announced the squad for this series including Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal. Bangladesh, however, will miss the service of Taskin Ahmed as the pacer has been suffering from an injury that he has sustained during the South Africa series.
Also Read: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2022: Squad comparison
Sri Lanka, who are currently at the fifth place in the Test Championship standings, has also announced an 18-member squad with Dimuth Karunaratne being the captain.
While the first Test is slated to be played in Chattogram from May 15, the second and final Test of the series will be played in Dhaka from May 23.
Bangladesh previously played 22 Test matches against the island nation and won only one of them while four ended up in draws.
Bangladesh squad: Mominul Haque (Captain), Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das, Yasir Ali, Taijul Islam, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Ebadot Hossain, Khaled Ahmed, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Rejaur Rahman Raja, Shohidul Islam, Shoriful Islam (subject to fitness).
Sri Lanka squad: Dimuth Karunaratne (captain), Kamil Mishara, Oshada Fernando, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya De Silva, Kamindu Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella, Dinesh Chandimal, Ramesh Mendis, Chamika Karunaratne, Suminda Lakshan, Kasun Rajitha, Vishwa Fernando, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Praveen Jayawickrama, Lasith Embuldeniya
Also Read: BCB announces 14-member squad for two-day practice match vs Sri Lanka
BCB announces 14-member squad for two-day practice match vs Sri Lanka
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Saturday announced a 14-member squad to play a two-day practice match against Sri Lanka at BKSP starting from May 10.
Mohammad Mithun, the right-handed batsman, will lead the BCB XI in this match. Anamul Haque Bijoy, who scored more than a thousand runs in the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League this year, has been added to this team along with Mosaddek Hossain, Saif Hassan, Zakir Hasan and Abu Jayed Rahi.
The Sri Lanka cricket team will arrive in Bangladesh on Sunday morning for a two-match Test series which is a part of the 2021-2023 ICC World Test Championship.
Also read: 2022 BCB Central Contract: Players List
The first Test starts at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram on May 15 while the second Test commences at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on May 23.
BCB XI for two-day practice match vs Sri Lanka:
Mohammad Mithun (Captain), Shadman Islam, Anamul Haque Bijoy, Shahadat Hossain Dipu, Zakir Hasan, Saif Hassan, Musaddek Hossain Saikat, Rishad Hossain, Enamul Haque, Mushfique Hassan, Ripon Mondol, Mukidul Islam Mugdho, Amite Hassan, Abu Jayed Rahi.
Also read: BCB announces new central contract with Shakib in all formats
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2022: Squad comparison
The much-anticipated two-match Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Test series 2022 will begin next week in Chattogram on Sunday (May 15). The second Test will start on May 23 at the SBNCS, Mirpur. Both sides have already announced their squads for the series. The Bangladesh team started their practice, while the Sri Lanka team is scheduled to arrive on May 8. Since the series is part of the ICC Test Championship, both teams are anticipated to fight hard. Let’s take a look at the squad strength comparison of the two teams.
Bangladesh Squad for Sri Lanka Series
The BCB selectors announced their 18-member squad last month. Two of the regular members in recent years, Shadman Islam and Abu Jayed Chowdhury Rahi, weren’t picked due to their poor performances in the recent series. Besides, Mehidy Hasan Miraz was excluded from the first Test one day after selection. He sustained an injury while playing a DPL match. Later, BCB included off-spinner Nayeem Hasan and all-rounder Mosaddek Hossain. Pacer Taskin Ahmed will miss the series due to an injury.
Squad
Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mominul Haque (captain), Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Liton Das, Yasir Ali, Nurul Hasan, Taijul Islam, Ebadot Hossain, Khaled Ahmed, Rejaur Rahman Raja, Shoriful Islam, Shohidul Islam, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (will not be available for the first match).
Read IPL leader Gujarat beats Bangalore despite Kohli 58
Sri Lanka Squad for Bangladesh Series
The Sri Lankan Cricket Board announced their 18-man squad on Wednesday (May 4). The SLC selectors included a number of uncapped players, and some recalled for the upcoming series. The squad comprised a few highly experienced players as well. So, this announced Sri Lankan Test team is a mixture of young and experienced players.
Sri Lanka Squad
Dimuth Karunaratne (captain), Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamil Mishara, Oshada Fernando, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kamindu Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella, Chamika Karunaratne, Ramesh Mendis, Dilshan Madushanka, Praveen Jayawickrama, Lasith Embuldeniya, Suminda Lakshan, Kasun Rajitha, Vishwa Fernando, Asitha Fernando.
Read Mosaddek or Nayeem: Who Should Play in CTG Test of BAN vs SL Series 2022?
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka: Squad Assessment
Both sides have some exciting and talented players who have the ability to showcase game-changing performances when needed. In addition, both sides' team management will be expected to see their fringe players fire up during the Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2022. Here is the two teams’ squad comparison.
Batting/Top-Order
Bangladesh's top order in the forthcoming series includes Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, and Najmul Hossain Shanto. Tamim is a vastly experienced player who has a nearly 40 average in Tests. The southpaw had a match-winning knock against Sri Lanka back in 2017.
Besides, Mahmudul Hasan joy started his Test career with a lot of promises. He played two incredible knocks against New Zealand and South Africa, respectively, away from home. Now, Joy will get a chance to showcase his talent in front of home crowds. No.3 batter Najmul Hossain Shanto has also been having a good time with the bat in the recent series.
Read Australia names full-strength squads for Sri Lanka tour.
Bangladesh’s top-order batting stats
Player
Innings
Runs
HS
Ave
100s
Tamim Iqbal
125
4,848
206
39.41
9
Mahmudul Hasan Joy
7
225
137
32.14
1
Najmul Hossain Shanto
29
817
163
29.17
2
Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, have experienced players in the top order. Sri Lankan captain Karunaratne and Kusal Mendis are big-match players, while Oshada Fernando has a lot of first-class cricket experience.
Read Stokes chosen as England test captain.
Sri Lanka’s top-order batting stats
Player
Innings
Runs
HS
Ave
100s
Dimuth Karunaratne
147
5,620
244
39.57
14
Oshada Fernando
24
726
102
34.57
1
Kusal Mendis
93
3,078
196
34.58
7
Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/
Advantage: Sri Lanka
Batting/Middle-Orders
Bangladesh have a very capable and experienced middle-order who can shine with the bat on home soil. Shakib, Mushfiqur, Mominul, and Litton all have very good records at home. The host can expect a commanding performance from its middle-order batters.
Read Nayeem added to Test squad to replace injured Mehidy.
Bangladesh’s middle-order batting stats
Player
Innings
Runs
HS
Ave
100s
Shakib Al Hasan
109
4,029
217
39.50
5
Mushfiqur Rahim
148
4,932
219*
36.26
7
Mominul Haque
95
3,514
181
39.48
11
Litton Das
53
1,730
114
33.26
2
Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/
Sri Lanka have some quality middle-order batsmen, but some of their regulars have not been in good form recently. Sri Lanka lost the Test series against India because of their middle-order lack of form with the bat. However, players like Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, and Niroshan Dickwella are very capable batters.
Read Key Takeaways from the DPL 2022.
Sri Lanka’s middle-order batting stats
Player
Innings
Runs
HS
Ave
100s
Angelo Mathews
169
6,432
200*
44.05
11
Dinesh Chandimal
117
4,217
164
39.41
11
Dhananjaya de Silva
72
2,517
173
38.13
8
Niroshan Dickwella
84
2,529
96
32.42
0
Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/
Advantage: Bangladesh
Bowling
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka both have some quality spinners in their respective squads. Shakib Al Hasan, the world's best all-rounder, will spearhead the hosts' spin attack, while Taijul Islam and Nayeem Hasan can be lethal in Bangladesh's conditions. If Mehidy Hasan Miraz is available for the second Test, he has the potential to be a real weapon for the home team. However, it’s the pace of bowling that can make the difference, as Bangladesh pacers have done well in recent series. Fast bowlers like Ebadot Hossain, Khaled Ahmed, and Shohidul Islam can fire up with the ball using home conditions.
Read Anamul's record-breaking season keeps getting better.
Bangladesh’s top Five Key bowlers bowling stats
Player
Match
Wickets
BBI
Ave
5W
Shakib Al Hasan
59
215
7/36
31.30
18
Taijul Islam
36
153
8/39
32.01
10
Nayeem Hasan
7
25
5/61
26.24
2
Ebadot Hossain
14
25
6/46
57.48
1
Khaled Ahmed
5
9
4/92
61.55
0
Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/
Experienced Suranga Lakmal is not part of this squad. Therefore, the Lankan pace bowling unit is not strong enough to take a real test from Bangladesh’s batters. However, Sri Lanka’s spin bowling department has some quality players who can put pressure on the opposition batters. Among the spinners, Praveen Jayawickrama and Lasith Embuldeniya can be lethal against Bangladesh batters.
Read BAN vs SL Series 2022: Bangladesh Test Squad Analysis.
Sri Lanka’s top Five Key bowlers bowling stats
Player
Match
Wickets
BBI
Ave
5W
Praveen Jayawickrama
4
25
6/92
19.48
2
Lasith Embuldeniya
15
70
7/137
34.77
5
Ramesh Mendis
4
26
6/70
21.53
2
Kasun Rajitha
9
25
3/20
31.16
0
Vishwa Fernando
16
43
5/101
37.30
1
Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/
Bottom Line
The Sri Lankan squad is comprised of some new faces, while Bangladesh selectors included all the expected names in their squad. The Lankan side recently suffered a huge defeat against India. On the other hand, Bangladesh’s recent performance in the away Test series has been impressive. From that perspective, the hosts can expect a dominant performance during the Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Test series 2022. Besides, the ICC’s World Test Championship will add a new dimension to the contest. Both sides will be eager to perform well in order to collect points to move up the standings.
Read DPL 2022: Sheikh Jamal win championship, while Khelaghar are relegated.
Asian Games hockey qualifiers: Bangladesh beat Indonesia 3-1
Bangladesh's national hockey team made a good start to the nine-nation Men's Asian Games Qualifiers, defeating Indonesia 3-1 in Saturday's match in Thai capital Bangkok.
In March last too, Bangladesh outplayed hosts Indonesia 7-2 in the AHF Cup Hockey Tournament.
Bangladesh, which was placed in four-team Pool B of the Men's Asian Games Qualifiers with Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Singapore, will face Sri Lanka on May 10 and Singapore on May 12 in the remaining group matches.
In the day's first match in Bangkok, Sarwar Hossain put Bangladesh ahead by a field goal in the 10th minute of the match (1-0).
Forward Pushkar Khisha Mimo doubled the Bangladesh margin in the eighth minute of the 2nd quarter also by a field goal (2-0).
Indonesia reduced the margin in the ninth minute of the 3rd quarter (2-1).
Finally, midfielder Fazle Hossain Rabbi sealed the fate of the match scoring one more field goal in the 10th minute of the quarter (3-1).
Bangladesh captain Rezaul Karim Babu displayed his brilliance in the field and was adjudged man of the match.
READ: Asian Games Hockey Qualifier: Bangladesh to play Indonesia on Saturday
The Men's Asian Games Hockey Qualifier began in Bangkok on Friday (May 6), despite the Asian Games Authority on the same day deferring the Hangzhou Asian Games indefinitely amid a recent surge in Covid-19 cases in China, the host country.
The Hangzhou Asian Games was scheduled for September 10-25 this year in China.
On completion of the Asian Games Hockey Qualifiers, the Bangladesh team, led by new captain Khorshedur Rahman, will travel to Indonesia to compete in the Men's Asia Cup Hockey in Jakarta from May 23 to June 1.
In the eight-nation Hero Men's Asia Cup Hockey, Bangladesh has also been placed in Pool B with Malaysia, Korea and Oman.
Bangladesh will face Korea on May 23, Oman on May 24 and Malaysia on May 26.
Bangladesh squad:
Goalkeepers: Biplob Kujur, Abu Sayeed Nippon
Defenders: Khorshedur Rahman, Farhd Ahmed Shitul, Ashraful Islam, Mehedi Hasan, Rezaul Karim Babu, Shohanur Rahman Sabuj.
Midfielders: Sarwar Hossain, Roman Sarkar, Naim Uddin, Fazle Hossain Rabbi, Prince Lal Samanta.
Forwards: Rasel Mahmud Jimmy, Milon Hossain, Pushkor Khisha Mimo, Arshad Hossain, Rakibul Hasan Rocky (Jr).
AC Milan or Inter Milan: Who is more likely to win 2021-22 Serie A?
Along with Juventus, both AC Milan and Inter Milan are among the top three most successful football clubs in Italy. They have combined to win 73 Serie A titles out of 119 seasons, which indicates how dominating these teams are in this particular tournament. However, Juventus have been more dominant than the other two, winning nine straight Scudetto trophies, while Inter Milan broke their monopoly last year. Inter are in the race for the 2021–2022 Serie A title along with AC Milan, while Juventus are already out of contention.
AC Milan’s Chance to win the 2021-2022 Scudetto trophy
Comparatively, AC Milan are in a better position than their arch-rivals Inter Milan to win this season’s Serie A title. Milan have three games left in the ongoing season. AC Milan will clinch the title if they win their remaining fixtures in the 2021–2022 Serie A because they have one more match left than Inter Milan. AC Milan currently have 77 points in 35 matches. However, Milan have tough opponents in the remaining fixtures who could spoil their party by not letting them win the league title. So, they will have to be even more determined in their upcoming matches in order to secure the title.
Read Madrid stun City to enter Champions League final
AC Milan’s Remaining Serie A Fixtures
Opponent
Date
Time (BDT)
Verona
May 9 (Monday)
12.45 a.m.
Atalanta
May 15 (Sunday)
10 p.m.
Sassuolo
May 22 (Sunday)
TBD
Source: https://www.legaseriea.it/it
Inter Milan’s Probability to win 2021-22 Serie A
Inter Milan currently have 78 points in 36 matches, meaning they have only two games left in the ongoing season. To clinch this year’s league title, Inter Milan not only have to win their remaining fixtures but also have to rely on the outcomes of AC Milan.
Read UEFA Champions League 2022 Final: Liverpool to Face Real Madrid
Therefore, Internazionale are hoping AC Milan will drop points in any of their remaining matches. Inter have comparatively easy Serie A fixtures apart from the fact that they have to play the Coppa Italia final against Juventus on Thursday (May 12).
Internazionale’s Remaining Serie A Fixtures
Opponent
Date
Time (BDT)
Cagliari
May 16 (Monday)
12.45 a.m.
Sampdoria
May 22 (Sunday)
TBD
Source: https://www.legaseriea.it/it
Read Champions League 2021-22: Man City, Liverpool in Strong Position to Reach Final
Verdict
Inter Milan edged AC Milan by winning the 2020-2021 Serie A title last season. Internazionale now have 19 Scudetto trophies, while Milan have 18. Therefore, AC Milan have a genuine chance to equal Inter’s number and jointly become the second-most successful team in the Italian League. Since Milan have one more match left, they are in pole position to win the 2021–2022 Serie A title.
Furthermore, in a head-to-head battle, AC Milan leads Inter Milan. Milan drew the first meeting 1-1 on November 8 last year and won the second meeting 2-1 on February 5 this year. From all perspectives, AC Milan should feel more confident in winning their 19th Italian League title. However, Inter can still clinch their 20th Scudetto trophy if their arch-rivals drop points in their remaining fixtures.
Read Madrid clinch record-extending 35th Spanish league title
19th Asian Games in Hangzhou postponed
The Executive Board of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) on Friday (May 6) decided to postpone the 19th Asian Games scheduled to be held in the Chinese city of Hangzhou from September 10 to 25 this year.
The OCA postponed the Asian Games, the biggest sports carnival of Asia, indefinitely amid a recent surge in Covid-19 cases in China, the host country of the games.
The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Executive Board met in Tashkent on Friday to discuss the situation and felt postponing the Games was the best decision under the circumstances.
Also Read: BFF initially selects 30 booters for Asian Games
The new dates of the 19th Asian Games will be announced in the near future, said a BOA media release on Friday.
The OCA board also decided to cancel the 3rd Asian Youth Games scheduled to be held in another Chinese city of Shantou from December 20 to 28 next.
However, the next Asian Youth Games will therefore be held in 2025 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, the media release added.
14th round of BPL Football begins Saturday; holders Kings to play Muktijoddha day one
Holders Bashundhara Kings to play lowly Muktijoddha Sangsad KC in one of the four Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Football matches on Saturday (May 6) at 3:45 pm at the Sheikh Fazlul Haque Moni Stadium in Gopalganj.
Former champions Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club will play Bangladesh Police FC at the Muktijoddha Smriti Stadium in Rajshahi, also at 3:45 pm on the same day.
In the other two Saturday's matches, Saif Sporting will face Sheikh Russel KC at 3:45 pm at the Bashundhara Sports Complex here while six times champions Dhaka Abahani Limited will encounter lowly Rahmatganj MFS at 5:30 pm at the Sylhet District Stadium.
Also Read: BPL Football: Holders Bashundhara Kings make good start in 2nd phase beating Swadhinata KS 2-0
Last two times champions Bashundhara Kings dominated the league comfortably securing 32 points from 13 matches while Dhaka Abahani Ltd and Sheikh Jamal DC followed the leaders distantly with 28 and 27 points respectively.
Muktijoddha Sangsad KC and newcomers Swadhinata KS are struggling at the bottom securing seven and six points respectively.
Asian Games Hockey Qualifier: Bangladesh to play Indonesia on Saturday
Bangladesh National Hockey team will start their campaign in the nine-nation Men's Asian Games Qualifiers taking on Indonesia in the Thai capital Bangkok on Saturday.
The match will kick-off at 10 am local time and 11 am Bangladesh time.
The Men's Asian Games Hockey Qualifier already began in Bangkok on Friday despite the Asian Games Authority postponed the Hangzhou Asian Games indefinitely amid a recent surge in Covid-19 cases in China, the host country of the games.
The Hangzhou Asian Games scheduled for September 10-25 this year in China.
Also Read: National Hockey team for Men's Asia Cup, Asian Games Qualifiers announced
Bangladesh team, which was placed in four-team Pool B of the Men's Asian Games Qualifiers with Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Singapore, will play Sri Lanka on May 10 and Singapore on May 12 in the remaining group matches.
Bangladesh team, which reached Bangkok on Thursday to compete in the Asian Games Qualifiers scheduled May 6-15, made their first practice session the same day (Thursday) and made another one and half hour long practices Friday morning.
Earlier, Bangladesh Hockey Federation (BHF) announced an 18-member final national squad to compete in both the Asian Games Qualifiers and the Men's Asia Cup Hockey, also naming two stand-by players.
BHF named also two separate captains for two tournaments keeping the same squad intact.
Rezaul Karim Babu will lead the Bangladesh team in the Asian Games Hockey Qualifier scheduled for May 6-15 in Bangkok while Khorshedur Rahman will captain the Bangladesh team in the Men's a Asia Cup Hockey in Jakarta from May 23 to June 1.
Iman Gobinathan Krishnamurthy of Malaysia named as the head coach, Zahirul Islam Mitul as assistant coach and Mohammad Rafiul Haque as team leader of Bangladesh for both the tournaments..
In the eight- nation Hero Men's Asia Cup Hockey, Bangladesh team also been placed in Pool B with Malaysia, Korea and Oman.
Bangladesh will face Korea on May 23, Oman on May 24 and Malaysia on May 26.
Earlier, Bangladesh qualified for the Men’s Asia Cup as they clinched the fourth consecutive title of the Men’s AHF Cup last month.
Also Read: Bangladesh beat Oman to lift Men's AHF Cup Hockey title
Oman, who finished as runners-up in the meet, also qualified to play in the eight-nation Men's Asia Cup Hockey with auto-qualifiers– India, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan, South Korea, hosts Indonesia.
Bangladesh squad:
Goalkeepers: Biplob Kujur, Abu Sayeed Nippon,
Defenders: Khorshedur Rahman, Farhd Ahmed Shitul, Ashraful Islam, Mehedi Hasan, Rezaul Karim Babu, Shohanur Rahman Sabuj
Midfielders: Sarwar Hossain, Roman Sarkar, Naim Uddin, Fazle Hossain Rabbi, Prince Lal Samanta.
Forwards: Rasel Mahmud Jimmy, Milon Hossain, Pushkor Khisha Mimo, Arshad Hossain, Rakibul Hasan Rocky (Jr).
Two stand by players are: Al Nahian Shuvo and Deen Islam Imon.
Madrid stun City to enter Champions League final
Young Brazilian Rodrygo's goals in the 90th minute and in stoppage time have inspired another win for the ages.
The 3-1 victory over Manchester City Wednesday gave Madrid yet another comeback and set it up for a showdown with Liverpool in the Champions League final on May 28 in Paris.
City were moments away from returning to the final before Rodrygo, the substitute forward, stunned the English team with his back-to-back goals, inspiring Madrid to victory like a bruised boxer who lands a knockout combination.
Madrid, who had trailed City ever since minute 2 of their first-leg match in Manchester, were finally level.
Pep Guardiola's team still had another half hour of extra time, but they never recovered. It seemed inevitable that once resuscitated there was no stopping Madrid.
And fittingly it fell to Karim Benzema, the man who had carried Madrid to the final four with hat-tricks in the previous two rounds, to earn and convert the decisive penalty that clinched a 6-5 aggregate victory.
"I couldn't hear what my teammates were saying to me because I couldn't believe what was happening," the 21-year-old Rodrygo said about the mayhem that erupted after his goals. "We were dead, and then what happened was what happened."
Perhaps City can take solace in that Paris Saint-Germain and defending champion Chelsea were also zombified by whatever wizardry Madrid somehow conjure up at the biggest moments of the biggest games.
All good teams occasionally score against the flow of the game. But most, and especially this City engineered by soccer's top stylist in Guardiola, need to dominate stretches of play to produce lots of goals.
Not Madrid. Not when they play in front of their fans.
The clock becomes meaningless for Madrid at home. The 13-time European Cup winners produce those magic moments when time is suddenly compressed, the crowd roars, opponents freeze, and the goals just flow in quick succession.
Ask PSG how Benzema was able to score three goals in less than 20 minutes of the second leg of their round-of-16 series that Kylian Mbappé's team had once controlled to advance 3-2 overall.
Ask Chelsea how it was they could have the momentum going into the final period of their quarterfinal in Spain's capital only for Rodrygo and Benzema to score late for a 5-4 aggregate win in extra time.
City entered the second leg against Madrid with the advantage after coming out on top of their 4-3 shootout last week. Riyad Mahrez's goal in the 73rd minute appeared to give them the cushion they needed to avoid any last-minute scares. Jack Grealish then went oh-so-close to padding that lead.
But that just set the scene for Rodrygo, who coach Carlo Ancelotti had sent on for a tired Toni Kroos, looking to spark his attack.
First, he slipped to the near post to tap in a cross knocked to him by Benzema just when City suffered a momentary drop in concentration. Seconds later, with Madrid seizing the moment, came his header when the slight forward managed to open up a bit of space in a packed area to push in a cross by Dani Carvajal flicked on by Marco Asensio.
Once again, faith had trumped reason at the Santiago Bernabéu.
"The whole world thought the game was nearly over – it was a little detail, a good combination, the goal of Rodrygo, and from there we put in all the energy we had. You need a bit of luck," Ancelotti said.
While Ancelotti embraced his son and assistant Davide Ancelotti, Guardiola was left to run a hand over the top of his head and put on his best sportsman's grin as he shook hands with the players.
The Catalan coach had just witnessed his grand design to finally win a European Cup for City succumb before that gift that Madrid have of making their players believe that by donning the all-white shirt they are destined for glory. Only the golden years of Lionel Messi's Barcelona, which Guardiola helped forge, was able to somewhat dim that mystique.
Also read: Madrid clinch record-extending 35th Spanish league title
UEFA Champions League 2022 Final: Liverpool to Face Real Madrid
The final of the UEFA Champions League 2022 will be held in the Stade de France on Saturday, May 28th. There are still three weeks until the final game, so a lot may happen in the next several days. Both teams will be looking to avoid injuries in their remaining regular-season games before facing off in the title match. This will be the third Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid. In the previous two matches, each team had won once. Let's look at who have the best chance of winning this year's UEFA Champions League 2022 final match.
Liverpool’s ideal formation and Squad Analysis
Based on Liverpool's performance over the past two months, they should be confident of capturing the trophy for the seventh time, equaling AC Milan as the tournament's second-most successful side. Jurgen Klopp doesn't have to worry about team selection since the squad has adequate backup players. All of Klopp's players are capable of grasping his philosophy and exhibiting his techniques on the pitch.
Liverpool trailed Villarreal 2-0 after the first half in the second leg of their semifinal match. They were on the verge of being knocked out in the semi-finals, but Klopp's half-time team talk spurred the players to outshine their opponents and reassert their dominance on the field. Liverpool seized the lead within the first 30 minutes of the second half and went on to win 3-2. This demonstrates Jurgen Klopp's importance to his team.
Read Madrid clinch record-extending 35th Spanish league title
Klopp expects more from his players since he wants to press the opponent's defense. Therefore, every player who wants to be a part of his squad must be physically and mentally capable. This Liverpool team loves to play in a classic 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 formation.
Alisson Becker is one of the top goalkeepers in the world. They have Virgil van Dijk in defense, who is perhaps the finest center-back in the world. In addition, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andrew Robertson, Joel Matip, and Fabinho are also formidable defenders. Thiago Alcantara is in fantastic form at the moment, having successfully carried out Klopp's strategy on the pitch.
Aside from that, players like James Milner, Naby Keita, Jordan Henderson, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are well-suited to Klopp's system. Liverpool have the finest attacking options in the world right now. Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Firmino, and Jota can all be devastating on any given day.
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Predicted Starting XI
Goalkeeper: Alisson; Defenders: Andrew Robertson, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Trent Alexander-Arnold; Midfielders: Thiago Alcantara, Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita; Forwards: Sadio Mane, Diogo Jota, Mohamed Salah.
Real Madrid’s squad breakdown and preferred formation
Real Madrid have had a fantastic run this season, something they certainly didn't expect at the start of the season. Los Blancos have already won their 35th La Liga title and have advanced to the Champions League final after defeating PSG, Chelsea, and Manchester City in the knockout phases.
Real Madrid were underdogs against those opponents. But they came out on top owing to some spectacular late equalizers, which have been a feature of their games this season. They appeared to be done and out at one point, but they fought back strongly with some outstanding individual performances in most of the knockout games.
Read BPL Football: Bashundhara Kings put half a dozen past Uttar Baridhara
Carlo Ancelotti has instilled enough drive in his players to allow them to mount a powerful comeback at any stage of the game. The players believe they have a chance until the last whistle blows. Counter-attacking football is Ancelotti's major strategy. Madrid prefer to play in a 4-3-3 formation, although they generally play it safe until they are obliged to.
The number one goalkeeper for Real Madrid, Thibaut Courtois has been outstanding this season. He has made numerous outstanding saves and is a vital component of the team. In the backline, Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, and David Alaba have looked solid for their team.
Toni Kross, Casemiro, Valverde, and Luka Modric have all been outstanding this season for the Los Blancos. Croatian Modric in particular has shown tremendous consistency at the age of 36. His passing, vision, and field positioning have all been outstanding.
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Real Madrid's true star this season is French striker Karim Benzema, who is having a great campaign. He always comes through for Madrid when they need someone to step up. Karim Benzema is without a doubt the finest forward in the world right now, and Real Madrid will be counting on him to produce in the crucial final against Liverpool.
Apart from that, two young Brazilian attackers, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo have been outstanding for Los Blancos this season. They have a fantastic camaraderie on the field, which shows in their performance week after week.
Predicted Starting XI
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois; Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, David Alaba, Ferland Mendy; Midfielders: Casemiro, Toni Kroos, Luka Modric; Forwards: Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Karim Benzema.
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Bottom Line
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is aiming for a quadruple this season. They have already won the EFL Cup and advanced to the finals of the Champions League and FA Cup. Furthermore, Jurgen Klopp's side is only one point behind Manchester City in the Premier League's 2021–2022 season. With four games remaining, Liverpool are confident of dethroning Manchester City in the Premier League points standings. Therefore, the All-Red’s remaining matchups are extremely important. Liverpool can't afford to lose any games in their pursuit of the quadruple.
On the other hand, Real Madrid will be far less under pressure because they have already claimed the 2021–2022 La Liga title and only have one critical encounter left, the UEFA Champions League 2022 Final. Real Madrid can thus be considered early favourites to win Europe's most coveted club championship this season.
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