Real Madrid vs Manchester City: Champions League Semi-Final Showdown in 2023

Exactly one year ago, these same clubs fought for a place in the Champions League final, and then Real Madrid, not without luck, went on.

Since then, the leaders of Madrid have grown old, but the youth has hardened; generational change is smooth. At the same time, City have stepped up in defense and acquired what is arguably the most reliable scorer of the younger generation. Revenge? Is not a fact. But we promise you a high-quality spectacle.

Champions League. 1/2 finals, first match
9th May. Madrid. “Santiago Bernabeu”
“Real Madrid” 22:00 “Manchester city”
Arbitrator: Arthur Soares Dias (Portugal)
Broadcast: MEGOGO Page

Real Madrid news

Real Madrid lost the championship to Barca, but won the King’s Cup over the weekend, beating Osasuna 2-1 in a difficult final – this added to the team’s mood.

The “Creamy” chic attack. Vinicius, despite unnecessary arguments with everyone around, does phenomenal things. For example, with “Osasuna” he 18 (!) times went to the stroke. It is largely thanks to him that Real Madrid have the best attack in La Liga (69 goals in 33 rounds); Madrid have also scored in all 16 of their last Champions League matches since February 2022. If Ancelotti has questions, then only to the defense – she missed in all 4 of the last matches. But Real Madrid rely on their flair in the Champions League – usually here the team is transformed.

18 – Vinícius Júnior attempted 18 dribbles against Osasuna (9 completed), the most of any player in a Copa del Rey final since at least 2010, beating the previous record, held by compatriot Neymar Jr. against Alavés in 2017 (14/5). Vital. pic.twitter.com/O5BQXWAMyf

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) May 6, 2023

What will happen to City? Madrid will definitely play to win. He is aware of how the last Champions League matches ended at the Etihad, so he wants to have a head start. Can he? It depends, no matter how trite, on Vinicius and also Rüdiger, who must by any means not be allowed to turn himself into Upamecano.

Man City News

We must not forget that although Madrid has more regalia, on paper it is the Citizens who are stronger. They are played by the best playmaker and the most successful striker of our time.

City could have the perfect season. Manchester United lead the Premier League where Arsenal have failed to keep up with their pace; also Guardiola’s team will play in the FA Cup final. The ghost of a treble is visible on the horizon. But it is worth remembering one more thing: Pep already has 6 departures from the semi-finals of the Champions League. One more will make him an absolute champion.

Therefore, “City” will be careful. He played on the counterattacks even on the fields of the weak RB Leipzig (1:1) and the self-destructive Bayern (1:1); both German teams preferred to finish off the British at home. Why would they deviate from tactics that bring success? Moreover, Guardiola’s age-old problems with defense seem to be over – the Citizens last conceded more than a goal in a match already on January 19th.

“Real” – “Man City”: statistics of personal meetings

Last year’s confrontation is probably still very fresh in your memory. “Real” then miraculously kept a decent 3:4 in Manchester, and won at the Bernabeu thanks to the feat of the name of Rodrigo (3:1).

At the same time, the last success of the Citizens against Madrid also happened recently – in the 2019/20 Champions League, the British defeated the Spaniards twice 2-1.

Real Madrid last matches

Man City last matches

Estimated compositions

Eder Militao has been suspended by Real Madrid, but he has played so well in recent matches that it may be for the best. Ferland Mendy also continues to be treated, but Eduardo Camavinga is changing very well.

At the same time, Man City have defender Nathan Ake in the hospital after the match with Leeds (2:1). There are no other losses, and if Guardiola does not overdo it, as he used to, his composition is not difficult to predict.

“Real”: Courtois – Carvajal, Rüdiger, Alaba, Camavinga – Valverde, Kroos, Modric – Rodrigo, Benzema, Vinicius

“Man City”Cast: Ederson – Walker, Ruben Dias, Akanji – Stones, Rodri – Bernardo Silva, de Bruyne, Gundogan, Grealish – Holland

Real Madrid v Man City: bets and odds

“Real” – “Man City”: forecast from UA-Football

As already mentioned, “Real” is incredibly good in attack, but vulnerable in defense. Even “Osasuna” created 3-4 true chances at his gate; Real Sociedad scored twice, Villarreal three times. Do you think Holland will forgive everything?

Our bet is both will score. Bookmakers accept it with odds of 1.6 or higher.