Champions League semi-finals preview: Manchester City won't hold back at home, can Real Madrid freeze Haaland again?

hen Manchester City and Real Madrid meet again, fans couldn't help but feel relieved that the giants’ clash will be finally coming to an end. The two sides gave a wonderful match in the first leg. Manchester City took the initiative from the start and was about to take the lead, but then Vinícius stepped up and scored a mid-range goal to give Real Madrid the lead. In the second half, Real Madrid seemed to be expanding their lead, but then De Bruyne came to the rescue with a low shot to equalize for Manchester City. De Bruyne's elation from breaking Thibaut Courtois's goal was definitely not limited to football.

Vinicius Scored
Vnicius took the lead for Real Madrid

Although leaving Bernabéu with a draw is not a bad result for Manchester City, there were still critics who criticized Pep Guardiola's team after the game. For example, Erling Haaland didn’t get any chance throughout the game, and Guardiola didn't even use any substitutions. It was indeed surprising that Haaland couldn't score, considering that Real Madrid's defense this season is indeed very poor among top teams, and with Militão suspended, it was more incredible that Haaland was frozen out.

De Bryune Equalized
Kevin De Bryune is always reliable

As for the issue of Guardiola not making substitutions, it can be explained by the fact that Manchester City's bench is strong enough. They have the ability to solve players' physical problems through rotation in the Premier League games. Stones, Dias and Grealish did not play in the Premier League game before the first leg of the Champions League’s semi final, and Walker only played 30 minutes. Accepting a score of 1-1 was also the main reason why Guardiola didn't make any substitutions. If Manchester City were still trailing after 70 minutes, it is believed that players like Foden and Mahrez, who are extremely creative, will be activated. Stones and De Bruyne were rested on bench for last weekend's league game, as Guardiola was saving their strength for the final assault on Real Madrid.

Making fewer substitutions in important matches may have become a trend. In the first leg at home, Ancelotti only used three substitutions. Although Benzema and Modric were often rested recently, their physical condition is still a big concern for Real Madrid’s fans. In last weekend's league game, key players like Modric and Vinícius only played 30 minutes, and Benzema wasn't even on the squad list. Even so, Real Madrid still beat their opponents and benefited from Atlético Madrid's loss, returning to second place of the table.

Haaland
Will Haaland sore in the second leg?

Left-back Eduardo Camavinga was limping when he was substituted in the final stages of the game, which made Real Madrid fans very concerned. However, Ancelotti soon confirmed that he can play in the second leg against Manchester City. With Militão's return from suspension, Alaba will return to the left-back position, and Mendy can return to his familiar defensive midfield position.

Real Madrid's experience is certainly richer than Manchester City's, but they missed the best opportunity to win in the first home leg. It may not be so easy to freeze out Haaland at Manchester City's home ground. Even if they manage to block him out, Manchester City's other attacking players are definitely capable of landing a fatal blow. Manchester City have a chance to beat Real Madrid 3-1.

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