By Ian King
Kind…or the shortage of it
Manchester Metropolis journey to Madrid having to date fallen a ways wanting having set this yr’s Champions League alight. They’ve gained simply 4 of the 9 video games that they’ve performed, and their first leg defeat to Actual Madrid has left them needing a win simply to power the tie into extra-time. They’ll want no less than a two-goal win to keep away from a penalty shootout.
Actual Madrid haven’t had a very blissful February but, aside from final week’s win in Manchester. It’s not usually they go three video games with out a win in LaLiga – the final time this occurred was November 2020 – however because the begin of the month they’ve been held by Atlético and Osasuna, and crushed by Espanyol. Additionally they misplaced three of their eight Megagroup video games (League section!), to Lille, Milan and Liverpool, and on Monday evening they had been knocked off the highest of LaLiga by Barcelona, albeit solely on purpose distinction.
The final two Champions League winners meet once more
Over 13 earlier conferences stretching again 13 years, there’s usually been little to decide on between these two. Manner again in 2012 after they met for the primary time, Actual gained 3-2. A 1-1 draw within the return match wasn’t sufficient to spare Metropolis third place and demotion into the Europa League. Metropolis’s first win in opposition to them got here in February 2020. Their final win in opposition to Actual got here in Might 2023, with Actual profitable on penalties in final season’s semifinals following two attracts.
Key gamers
Omar Marmoush’s hat-trick in 14 minutes in opposition to Newcastle United might have given Carlo Ancelotti one thing to consider forward of this return match. If Marmoush can match the promise of his efficiency on Saturday, his arrival offers them an additional attacking dimension. In that case, does Ancelotti attempt to shield what he has or exploit the gaps in Metropolis’s again line?
Jude Bellingham may very well be dealing with a prolonged ban in LaLiga after getting despatched off on Sunday, however this doesn’t have an effect on him within the Champions League and if Metropolis do need to commit ahead in pursuit of that win, he might revenue from the house left behind.
Workforce Information
Jack Grealish, Rúben Dias and Nathan Aké had been unnoticed for the Newcastle recreation however have an opportunity of returning for this match. However Manuel Akanji’s absence has been confirmed as weeks reasonably than days, whereas Rodri and Oscar Bobb stay absent for the long-term. For Actual Madrid, Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba each missed the primary leg however may very well be again for this one. Lucas Vázquez, Éder Militão and Dani Carvajal all stay longer-term absentees.
Prediction
Over their 13 earlier conferences, Metropolis have gained 4, Actual have gained 5 and there have been 5 attracts, and this unpredictability has been additional accentuated by the 2 groups’ current patchy type. However you simply can’t go in opposition to Actual Madrid at house in this competitors, so I’ll go for a 2-2 draw, presumably after extra-time.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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