The first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final match between Manchester City and Real Madrid will take place at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, April 27 at 1 a.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time). This matchup promises to be intriguing, as Real Madrid is one of the most exciting teams to watch in the Champions League this season, while Manchester City's team is one of the heavy favourites to win the elite club football championship in Europe. Take a look at the team news and preview for the Manchester City vs Real Madrid 2022 match.
Manchester City vs Real Madrid 2022: Team Lineups
Manchester City's regular fullback this season, Joao Cancelo will miss the first leg due to suspension. Right-back Kyle Walker and center-back John Stones are both questionable for this match due to injury. Apart from that, the rest of the players should be ready for selection in the match against Real Madrid.
Predicted Starting XI (Manchester City)
Ederson Moraes (GK), Oleksandr Zinchenko (RB), Ruben Dias (CB), Aymeric Laporte (CB), Nathan Ake (LB), Bernardo Silva (CM), Rodri (CM), Kevin De Bruyne (CM), Riyad Mahrez (RW), Phil Foden (CF), Raheem Sterling (LW)
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Real Madrid have no suspension issues, but they do have some serious injury concerns. David Alaba, Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic, Mariano Diaz, Casemiro, and Ferland Mendy are among the players who have sustained injuries. It remains to be seen how many of them will be fit to participate in the Manchester City encounter.
Predicted Starting XI (Real Madrid):
Thibaut Courtois (GK), Dani Carvajal (RB), Eder Militao (CB), Nacho (CB), Marcelo (LB), Toni Kroos (CM), Eduardo Camavinga (CM), Luka Modric (CM), Rodrygo (RW), Vinicius Junior (LW), Karim Benzema (FW) .
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Real Madrid vs Manchester City: Head-to-Head
In the UEFA Champions League, Manchester City and Real Madrid have played six times. Both teams have beaten each other twice, with two matches ending in draws. Interestingly, both teams have scored seven times against each other. In their most recent meeting, Manchester City defeated Real Madrid 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium in the second leg of the Round of 16 in the 2019-2020 Champions League. With 39 goals in the Champions League, Sergio Aguero of Argentina leads Manchester City, while Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal leads Real Madrid with 105 goals.
Man City vs Real Madrid Semi-Final 2022: First Leg Match Prediction
Both Manchester City and Real Madrid have won their previous two matches and will be in high spirits when they meet on April 27 at the Etihad Stadium. Manchester City trounced Watford 5-1 at home in the Premier League on Saturday (April 23), with Brazilian Gabriel Jesus scoring four goals. On the other hand, Real Madrid defeated Osasuna 3-1 away from home on Thursday (April 21).
Manchester City like to play in a 4-3-3 system, but Pep Guardiola's team always has a backup plan in case things go wrong. They will be well prepared for the match against Real Madrid, as the Los Blancos have proven in the past with some stunning late comebacks. Man City will anticipate having more possession than Madrid. The Citizens will be able to create more opportunities if they execute their plan properly.
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Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti also likes to use the 4-3-3 formation. However, they may alter their strategy if necessary. Two methods appear to have worked successfully against Manchester City this season. One strategy may be to press Man City's defense high up the pitch, while another could be to defend deep in the backline. However, Real Madrid must be confident in its ability to execute the strategy against Manchester City.
Match Prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Real Madrid
Verdict
Manchester City and Real Madrid are two of Europe's top football clubs right now. Therefore, the Manchester City vs Real Madrid 2022 Champions League match is expected to be a high-voltage affair on Wednesday at midnight. Both sides will aim to outwit each other in tactical combat. However, Manchester City may start as favourites to beat Real Madrid owing to the strength of their squad.
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