The eyes of global football fans are turning towards the pitch of the Etihad Stadium to watch the match between Manchester City and Real Madrid, this evening on Wednesday, May 17, in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final.
Manchester City qualified for the final to face Inter Milan, following their clean-sheet victory over Real Madrid with a score of 4-0 in the second leg, and a total of 5-1 on aggregate.
The two teams met at the Santiago Bernabeu in the first leg, which ended in a positive draw with a goal each, leaving the balance evenly poised and igniting this battle.
In Real Madrid's history in the knockout stages of the Champions League since the 1993/1992 season, the royal club stumbled by failing to win in nine first-leg matches played at their home, the Santiago Bernabeu. They were eliminated in seven of those instances, and they advanced to the next round only twice.
This tournament holds special significance for Real Madrid, as they have clinched the title 14 times, making them the team with the most Champions League triumphs. Their latest victory was achieved last season, which fuels their high intensity fight today to overturn expectations and secure a spot in the final, escaping the clutches of the exceptional Manchester City.
Under the leadership of manager Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid understands the difficulty of the task, playing away from home at the Etihad Stadium. However, Los Merengues are relying today on the exceptional attacking trio of Vinicius, Rodrigo, and Benzema, along with star player Luka Modric, hoping they can secure a victory to reach the final and continue their title defense for the second consecutive season.
On the other hand, Manchester City managed to impose a draw against Real Madrid in the first leg and returned home with high morale. Their path to the second final in their history may be within close reach, considering the match is on their own turf, surrounded by their passionate fans, while the team is in exceptional form.
Manchester City is experiencing their best form this season in all the competitions they are participating in at the moment. They are on the verge of securing their third consecutive Premier League title and require only one victory to retain their crown. This gives the team a strong boost for this encounter, even though it differs from the league.
Pep Guardiola's team dreams of winning the Champions League title for the first time in their history, and they are fiercely striving for it. Armed with the advantage of playing at home and with the support of their fans, the team is determined to achieve victory and snatch the ticket to the final stage of the competition, strongly contending for the title.
First half: Real Madrid 0-2 Manchester City
The first half ended with Manchester City leading Real Madrid by two clean goals. Bernardo Silva scored both goals in the 23rd and 37th minutes of the match.
Manchester City lineup against Real Madrid:
Goalkeeper: Ederson
Defense: Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, Aymeric Laporte, John Stones
Midfield: Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan
Attack: Jack Grealish, Erling Haaland
Substitutes: Ortí, Carson, Phillips, Ake, Álvarez, Foden, Sergio Gómez, Mahrez, Palmer, Luis
Real Madrid lineup against Manchester City:
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
Defense: Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, David Alaba, Édouard Camavinga
Midfield: Toni Kroos, Luka Modrić, Federico Valverde
Attack: Rodrigo, Karim Benzema, Vinícius Júnior