The UEFA Champions League kicks off with a blockbuster as Spanish champions Real Madrid host English champions Manchester City at the Bernabeu. Join us for live scores and commentary from 4.45am AEST.
After exiting the Champions League last season during the group stages, City once again faces a tough ask to qualify for the knockout stages this time around, given that they find themselves in what has been labelled the ‘group of death’.
City’s Champions League credentials will certainly go on the line early when they face Real at their Santiago Bernabeu fortress tonight.
If there was ever a time however to beat Real on their home turf, tonight’s the night.
Jose Mourinho’s men have had a shocking start to the La Liga season, winning just one of their first four matches.
Madrid is coming off a poor 1-0 nil loss to Sevilla which leaves them already eight points behind league leaders and eternal rivals FC Barcelona.
It is no surprise that Madrid’s lacklustre performances thus far coincide with Cristiano Ronaldo’s bad form and low self esteem.
The Portuguese superstar has stated that he is unhappy with his life as a professional footballer, raising huge concerns about his relationship with his other high profile Madrid team-mates.
City on the other hand has started the Premier League in solid fashion, registering two wins and two draws, with their most recent performance seeing them secure an unconvincing draw against Stoke.
With Sergio Aguero now recovered from injury, City certainly possess the firepower upfront and on the wings to really hurt Madrid tonight.
Prediction
Madrid will press high up the pitch early in a bid to unsettle a City side that still possesses some question marks in defence.
City defenders Vincent Company, Jolan Lescott and Pablo Zabaleta are all solid at the back, but they will have a difficult time containing the likes of Ronaldo, Ozil, Di Maria and Higuain.
Ronaldo in particular will be desperate to fire tonight in a bid to win back the support of the Madrid faithful, who are surely questioning his commitment to the club following his recent comments.
Madrid however will need to be careful not to press too high up the pitch because City possess the firepower to burn the locals on the counter attack.
City attackers David Silva, Samir Nasri, Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez are all world class forwards and will cause the likes of Sergio Ramos, Pepe and Marcelo huge problems if Madrid commit too many players forward in a bid to rattle City’s cage.
With some of the world’s finest players on display tonight, this should be an absorbing contest between two sides that possess realistic chances of winning the Champions League this season.
Although Madrid does possess home ground advantage, City certainly has the players necessary to attain a valuable draw in what should be a high scoring contest.
Tip: Real and City in 2 all draw
Titus
Guest
Well, sounds like it was a cracking game, can't wait to watch it at 9.40pm. Will definitely set my alarm and coffee pot for Chelsea v SFC sister club Juventus tomorrow morning.
Futbanous
Guest
The reason I get up early,the Champions League. What a cracker.
Punter
Guest
What a game, what a game, Ronaldo could have won it, but great save by Hart, then Ronaldo does win it, slight mistake by Hart, ahhhh football.
Alan
Roar Guru
A great contest ends with Madrid securing a heart stopping 3-2 win during a frantic second half. City hit the lead with Dzeko and were well on course to cause the upset. Madrid though hit back quickly thanks to Marcelo but CIty should have scored earlier after Toure wasted a great chance to put City 2 nil up. City though went on to hit the lead late on as Kolarov's freekick just went in after the defence failed to read the ball. City thought they did enough but Benzema equalised just minutes later and then Zabaleta squanderd another great chance for City as he failed to connect with a Tevez low cross centimetres from goal. Madrid punished City as Ronaldo scored the winner but it was a shot that Hart should have saved given his strong performance tonight. Madrid though are off and running the Champions League while City will rue a huge opportunity lost. Thanks for joining us tonight and have your say on what was a terrific match! Real 3 City 2
Alan
Roar Guru
FULLTIME: Real 3 City 2 I know Harry so close with the prediction!
Alan
Roar Guru
92' - What a turnaround here after City looked as if they would secure a valuable win or draw. Madrid though fight back very well and are on course for a terrific win Real 3 City 2
HarryBalding
Roar Guru
I thought your prediction would come true! Looked for all money to be 2-2!
Alan
Roar Guru
91' - Hart will be dissapointed with that because he should have saved Ronaldo's shot which was dipping late. City are now behind after leading just five minutes ago. What a contest! Real 3 City 2
Stevo
Guest
Got to be joking, yeah!!!!!
Alan
Roar Guru
Indeed Stevo. GOAL MADRID - This game certainly had goals in it from the outset and after a lean first half the game opens up big time in the second half. Zabaleta now clears as Ozil nearly scores but is thwarted by Ozil. Ronaldo now scores as Hart fails to control a shot and Real hit the lead!!!!! Real 3 City 2
Alan
Roar Guru
CHANCE MADRID - What a second half here from both teams as City attack now with Zabaleta who crosses in. Benzema now finds Ronaldo who shoots straight to Hart who saves well. Ronaldo should have done better there. Great football now! Real 2 City 2
Stevo
Guest
Unbelievable second half!
Alan
Roar Guru
GOAL MADRID - Benzema with a spin and shot and he scores with a low drive and Madrid are level in the blink of an eye. WOW! Real 2 City 2
Alan
Roar Guru
86' - Kolarov is the second sub to score for City after Dzeko opened the scoring earlier. City have played very well in the second half and deserve this lead. They have really tormented Madrid at the back. Real 1 City 2
Alan
Roar Guru
GOAL CITY - Zabaleta rushes in and is clipped late by Benzema. City with another freekick and Madrid are under pressure here.....Kolarov whips in the freekick and scores!!!! Real 1 City 2
Alan
Roar Guru
84' - Tevez falls down in the penalty area but its play on as City win another corner. City have certainly created chances in the second half and probably should have scored two more goals here. Real 1 City 1
Alan
Roar Guru
82' - Kolarov clears possession and Madrid concede the throw here on the halfway. City will be satisfied with the draw here but they win the corner as Varane blocks a Kolarov cross Real 1 City 1
Alan
Roar Guru
81' - City still a chance of winning here because Madrid are vulnerable at the back. Madrid attack now though with Ronaldo and Ozil. Modric with a shot on target but Hart controls the ball well. Real 1 City 1
Alan
Roar Guru
80' - Shots reigning in galore now as Alonso and Benzema force saves from Hart. Chances are becoming common now for both teams. Real 1 City 1
Alan
Roar Guru
79' - Di Maria well challenged by Zabaleta but the game certainly has another few goals in it. Madrid attack now with Ozil. City concede the corner as Barry deals with a Di Maria cross Real 1 City 1