Manchester City have hit form at just the right time and will need to be at their best again if they hope to secure a priceless victory against Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final. Join The Roar for live scores from 4:30am (AEST).
Tonight’s first leg pits two teams that are timing their run to success in Europe perfectly.
Madrid have underperformed all year in La Liga, yet now find themselves trailing FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid by just one point.
Their victory in El Clasico has obviously reignited belief in a campaign that seemed doomed to failure.
City meanwhile have also hit good form ever since Kevin De Bruyne returned from a long injury layoff. His inclusion has ignited the Citizens’ play and their results have improved drastically as a result.
Their upset victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-finals proved City are a team to be feared by any other in Europe. On paper, they possess the class required to lift the Champions League trophy, let alone beat Real over two legs.
While Real approach this tie as strong favourites, there are question marks surrounding the fitness of superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who is struggling with a thigh injury sustained in the 3-nil victory over Villarreal over a week ago.
Furthermore, Karim Benzema also left the field injured against Rayo Vallecano several days ago, meaning Real could be without two of their major weapons.
Gareth Bale however did make his return from injury in the match against Real Vallecano, scoring two goals, and looks set to play a key role in attack if Ronaldo and Benzema are out.
The attacking trio of De Bruyne, David Silva and Sergio Aguero is peaking at just the right time and will present Real’s back four with their biggest test of the Champions League campaign to date. De Bruyne and Aguero, in particular, can cause havoc on the counter attack, so it wouldn’t surprise to see Madrid play conservatively in a bid to conserve numbers at the back when they lose possession.
If City’s stars are able to influence proceedings, Manuel Pellegrini’s men are more than capable of securing a first-leg lead.
At the other end of the pitch, City captain Vincent Kompany will need to lead from the front in a bid to contain Ronaldo, Benzema (should they play) and Bale. Failure to do so and the tie swings in Real’s favour.
Despite the gulf in experience and success between the two teams in this competition, City possess the form and belief required to secure the win against the greatest European club of them all.
City to win 2-1
Sam
Guest
Good work Manchester City
daniel
Guest
so lovely of that
Alan
Roar Guru
City and Real play out a goalless draw here in the first leg of a Champions League semi-final well in the balance. City though once again underperformed at home and gave Real far too much time in possession. Real were comfortable on the night and will be frustrated not to have scored an away goal themselves. Hart though in superb form yet again kept Madrid at bay, denying Ramos, Jese and Pepe from point blank range in the second half. Aguero and De Bruyne kept quite for City who looked toothless at times with possession. The fact that City didn't concede today though helps them a lot. Real will start favourites next week but an away goal for City changes everything. The Sky Blues are still in with a chance... City 0 Real 0
Alan
Roar Guru
FULLTIME City 0 Real 0
Alan
Roar Guru
92' - Carvajal yellow carded for a foul on De Bruyne. Professional foul really. Last chance for City to make a massive statement on an underwhelming night for them.... City 0 Real 0
Abdulhakeem
Guest
I Pray that ronaldo returns in d second coz if not madrid may loss
Alan
Roar Guru
CHANCE CITY First real opening for City as Aguero finds Sterling in space but the Englishman produces a poor touch and a great chance one on one goes begging City 0 Real 0
Alan
Roar Guru
90' - De Bruyne and Aguero well contained. Maybe they will have better chances on the break in Spain. Real will attack far more often at the Bernabeu though and City need to keep their cool. Disappointing though from City tonight. City now playing not to concede. City 0 Real 0
Alan
Roar Guru
88' - City really struggling to build anything of note against a well organised Madrid defence. Real too professional and too experienced. The only thing missing for them is a goal which Hart has denied them with superb keeping City 0 Real 0
Alan
Roar Guru
86' - City lucky to be still nil all tonight. Pepe and Ramos superb at the back for Real. Aguero nullified big time. City's play nullified in the second half. City 0 Real 0
Alan
Roar Guru
84' - Once again City struggling to leave a mark against a strong rival at home. Even without Ronaldo and Benzema, Real have created by far the better chances. Hart once again though in fine form and he keeps City in the tie... City 0 Real 0
Alan
Roar Guru
83' - Bale with a poor freekick. Still wins the corner though. CHANCE REAL Again Hart the man of the moment! He produces a fantastic save to deny Pepe I believe in the area! City 0 Real 0
Alan
Roar Guru
81' - City on the ropes a bit here. Real looking more likely as they continue to press effectively. Very dangerous freekick coming up for Real.... City 0 Real 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Great corner whipped and Casemiro heads the ball only for Hart to clear off the line. Real with the best chances thus far, all from headers. City 0 Real 0
Alan
Roar Guru
79' - Its been a positive night for Real thus far considering the personnel they have missing. Frustrating night for City in attack. Aguero very quite. Bale meanwhile enjoying some opportunities. Real continue to press well. Corner. Ball cleared off the line by Hart! CHANCE REAL City 0 Real 0
Alan
Roar Guru
77' - Real with many numbers back. City make a change. Navas is off and Sterling takes his place. Chance for the Englishman to shine. City 0 Real 0
Alan
Roar Guru
75' - Real hustling well tonight and City's main attacking threats just can't get a foothold on the game. Real starting to dictate terms here. Bale in space tries to curl a shot into the left post but his effort is wide....Real asking more questions though. City 0 Real 0
Alan
Roar Guru
73' - Its been underwhelming from City thus far. Real on top even without Benzema and Ronaldo. City too conservative and not producing enough incisive play. City 0 Real 0
Alan
Roar Guru
CHANCE REAL Best chance of the night. Good cross for Jese whose header hits the bar! Real more threatening on the break and more composed. City 0 Real 0
Alan
Roar Guru
70' - Real holding onto the ball and happy with a nil all here. City getting frustrated. De Bruyne with space now. Aguero well marked though. Modric having a great game. City 0 Real 0