Manchester City look to take a major step towards lifting the Champions League trophy for the first time as they host Real Madrid in the second leg of the semi-final tie tonight. With Inter Milan waiting in the final, whoever comes out on top here at the Etihad will be big favourites to get the job done on June 10.
Pep Guardiola’s came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu last week, with Kevin De Bruyne’s brilliant strike cancelling out Vinicius Jr’s first-half stunner. De Bruyne, like Jack Grealish and John Stones, should return to the starting lineup after being rested over the weekend against Everton.
With Barcelona officially winning LaLiga, Real’s full focus is now on the Champions League and winning the competition for a 15th time. The defending champions have Karim Benzema and Vinicius, who scored three times between them last season at the Etihad, back in the side tonight, while Eder Militao returns from suspension. Follow all the action with Standard Sport’s LIVE blog below!
Live updates
Standard Sport prediction
Could this be City’s year? Certainly, both teams will know that winning this game will make them huge favourites for the ultimate crown.
Los Blancos are the kings of pulling out a performance in this very moment yet Guardiola’s side have all the panache, ruthlessness and ability to be the team to finally upset them.
If the hosts can get together a fast start, they may well be unstoppable.
Man City to win 3-1, and 4-2 on aggregate.
Man City team news
Pep Guardiola has confirmed Nathan Ake’s absence for the Etihad Stadium showdown, but Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri are both fit after recent issues.
The Dutchman’s hamstring injury means Manuel Akanji is again likely to be entrusted down the left side of defence facing up to Rodrygo, while Kyle Walker marks the threat of Vinicius Jr.
John Stones was, like De Bruyne, Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva, rested for the weekend win at Everton so should return to assume his hybrid defensive-midfield role in City’s fluid 3-2-4-1 formation.
The big decision facing Guardiola is whether to start Silva or Riyad Mahrez down the right wing on Wednesday night, after the Algerian impressed at Goodison Park.
Predicted Man City XI: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Akanji; Stones, Rodri; Silva, De Bruyne, Gundogan, Grealish; Haaland (3-2-4-1)
Real Madrid team news
They’ve gone very early!
Eder Militao straight back into the side as he returns from suspension, with Antonio Rudiger dropping out. Eduardo Camavinga once again gets the nod at left-back.
Starting XI: Courtois, Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Camavinga, Valverde, Kroos, Modric, Rodrygo, Benzema, Vinicius
Subs: Lunin, Vallejo, Nacho, Hazard, Asensio, Odriozola, Lucas, Tchouameni, Ceballos, Rudiger, Mendy, Mariano
How to watch Man City vs Real Madrid
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on BT Sport 1, with coverage beginning at 7pm.
Live stream: Subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the BT Sport app and website.
Live blog: You can follow all the action right here with us!
Good evening!
Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Man City vs Real Madrid!
Huge night coming up, with this Champions League semi-final tie perfectly in the balance after last week’s 1-1 draw in Spain.
City have home advantage tonight and will be looking to set up a final clash with Inter Milan, but season after season we have seen Real deliver in the biggest moments.
We’ll have all the latest updates, build-up and team news ahead of kick-off, which comes at 8pm BST from the Etihad Stadium. Stay with us!
