Real Madrid and Manchester City are set to clash in the second leg of their Champions League semifinals, with a spot in the final at stake. The match, which can be viewed on CBS and Paramount+, promises an intense showdown as both teams are tied 1-1 in the first leg. Kevin de Bruyne and Vinicius Junior were the scorers in that game. Manchester City, playing on their home turf, is considered the favorite to secure their passage to Istanbul, where they will face Inter on June 10 for the coveted championship title.
Real Madrid’s squad includes Eduardo Camavinga, but his participation in the match is uncertain due to a recent injury picked up against Getafe over the weekend. Camavinga’s presence on the field is crucial for Real Madrid’s possession-based style of play. If he is unable to play, Ferland Mendy is expected to return to the starting lineup.
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How to watch and odds
Date: Wednesday, May 17 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
Location: Etihad Stadium — Manchester, England
TV: CBS | Live stream: Paramount+
Tactical camera: CBS Sports Golazo Network
Odds: Manchester City -165; Draw +310; Real Madrid +410 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
Last meeting
The initial encounter between these teams was an enthralling affair. Manchester City exerted their dominance in the early stages of the match, but Real Madrid managed to regain their footing and ultimately found the back of the net. The equalizer by City sparked some controversy, but as the second leg approaches, Real Madrid will put that incident behind them and maintain their focus.
The upcoming match is unpredictable because both teams possess notable strengths. The city boasts the presence of Erling Haaland, an exceptional player on the field. However, Real Madrid is a seasoned team that consistently competes at the highest echelons of the sport. They have not only reached the Champions League finals on numerous occasions but have also clinched the prestigious trophy a record 14 times. City, on the other hand, is yet to achieve that feat, making this season particularly significant for their aspirations.
PLOT DEVELOPMENT
Manchester City: In the absence of Nathan Ake, Pep Guardiola faces a crucial decision regarding the starting lineup. He must choose between Manuel Akanji and Aymeric Laporte, both of whom offer solid defensive options. The involvement of Jack Grealish, particularly in tracking back, adds an element of attacking threat. Moreover, with the need to keep an eye on Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne, Real Madrid might grant Erling Haaland more space to operate and create scoring opportunities for himself.
Real Madrid: The fitness of Camavinga looms as the biggest concern for Real Madrid ahead of this match. Although the team’s attack remains potent and capable of scoring goals, even if Karim Benzema isn’t in top shooting form, stopping the Frenchman consistently has proven difficult for opposing teams. This factor could play a significant role if the match turns into a high-scoring encounter between two exceptional teams. In the event that Camavinga is unavailable, the team’s possession might suffer, but Ferland Mendy’s ability to advance the ball could still provide opportunities for the attackers.
KEY FOCUS PLAYER
Manchester City: Erling Haaland. Following his failure to score in the first leg, Haaland will be eager to exploit the defensive vulnerabilities of Real Madrid. The presence of Eder Militao bolsters the defense against Haaland, but if Los Blancos prioritize neutralizing City’s midfielders, it will leave gaps that their other attacking players can exploit. Considering the potential for a high-scoring match, Haaland could make a significant impact by netting two goals.
Real Madrid: Luka Modric. Modric possesses the ability to change the game for Real Madrid. His relentless work rate allows him to disrupt opponents defensively while also contributing to the team’s attacking play. In a match where Real Madrid cannot solely rely on defending for 90 minutes, Modric’s composed presence and ability to drive the team forward will be crucial for their success.
SCORE PREDICTION
Following a first leg in which both teams cautiously assessed each other, this match promises a flurry of goals. Erling Haaland’s brace will propel Manchester City to the Champions League final, but Real Madrid’s wingers will also find the back of the net as they prove difficult to contain. Prediction: Manchester City 3, Real Madrid 2.
