Manchester City visited the Santiago Bernabeu for a rematch with Real Madrid in the Champions League Semi-Final on Wednesday, after a first-leg classic that ended 4-3 in favor of Pep Guardiola’s men last week. Real Madrid are aiming to close a 4-3 deficit against City after last week’s exciting first game in Manchester.
This was the highest scoring semi-final first leg in the history of the competition, alongside Liverpool 5-2 Roma in the 2017-18 season, and more drama awaits in the Spanish capital.
Surprisingly, Real Madrid will not be their usual defending duo as David Alaba is not expected to return in time after an injury in the first game. Names such as Eden Hazard, Gareth Bale and Luka Jovic were also left out of the discussion.
As for Man City, Kyle Walker will miss the game once again due to an ankle injury, but the visitors will return Joao Cancelo to Europe after Portugal took a penalty in the first leg. The John Stones and Nathan Ake are once again suspects, as they were after they took a hit on Elland Road last time.
Here is a list of the top five players who are likely to have all eyes on them during combat:
5. Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin de Bruyne is back to his best performance with 15 goals and 12 assists in all competitions. His performance was outstanding as he crushed his opponents against Real Madrid in the first match.
His run for the opening goal was excellent and so was the finish. The Belgian player nicely set up City’s second goal with a diagonal cross to Jesus, creating a succession of other chances for his teammates.
4. Gabriel Jesus
Gabriel Jesus is currently on a hot line in front of the goal post as he has scored seven goals in all competitions and provided two assists in five games. His pick in the first leg was justified as he shrugged David Alaba and slipped City’s second leg. His work speed and perseverance will be crucial to City’s high press system.
3. Vinicius Junior
Vinicius Junior has taken his game to a whole other level with seventeen goals and fifteen assists in all competitions he has played this season. Along with Bruno Fernandes and Leroy Sane, he is the player with the most assists in the Champions League (six) this season.
He came to life with a great solo goal in a quiet first half performance in the first half and defeated Fernandinho in the second half. Los Blancos are expected to start their game from the left side of their attack.
2. Riyadh Mahrez
So far the Bay is in the Champions League for Manchester City. Mahrez has scored several key goals for City in the Champions League this season, with goals in the semi-finals against PSG last season, and are vital to their progress to the finals last year.
The Algerian player apologized to Ferland Mendy in the first match with his silky smooth dribbling and skills. Entering from the right, the defender made an excellent opening assist as he passed the crowd and made his way towards De Bruyne. His form will be crucial for Manchester City on Wednesday.
1. Karim Benzema
Death, Taxes and Benzema are bound to score goals this season. Benzema is competing for the Ballon d’Or at the end of the season with his stunning performance and goal-scoring skills. He is the top scorer in the Champions League this season with 13 goals and has saved Real Madrid several times this season. Fans can expect another masterclass performance on Wednesday.
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