Etihad Stadium has almost been like a fortress for Pep Guardiola’s side. Oppositions have been swept aside easily by the home side on this ground.
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There is no team that has won the Champions League more than Real Madrid in the competition’s history. In fact, the Spanish giants created history last season by becoming the European champion for a record-extending 14th time. Madrid achieved that feat by defeating Liverpool in the final. Twelve months later, they are still very much in the hunt to defend their title. However, it will not be easy against an in-form Manchester City. Besides, the Spaniards have made it that extra bit harder after managing only a 1-1 draw in the first leg at Santiago Bernabeu.
Therefore, Real Madrid are left with the daunting tasking of winning the game away to Manchester City. Etihad Stadium has almost been like a fortress for Pep Guardiola’s side. Oppositions have been swept aside easily by the home side on this ground. Real might have rich history in this competition but current form is with City, hence they will have a difficult clash in hand next week. Let us look at how Real Madrid can get the much-needed victory at the Etihad to keep their title defence alive.
It might sound simple to say that a team would require to defend well in the second leg of the Champions League, however, there is nothing easy about the daunting tasking awaiting Real Madrid. Manchester City have hit the form at the right time this season. They are very much in with a chance to win a treble – Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup. They are scoring goals for fun and are defending well as a unit. With the home advantage also playing a big part in the club’s success, the Los Blancos must be at the top of their game to keep Man City at bay. With their star striker Erling Haaland firing at all cylinders, it is imperative to maintain a solid defensive unit.
Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland have been Manchester City’s main players this campaign. The Belgian showed his class with a stunning equaliser in the first leg, while the Norwegian has been unstoppable in front of goal all season. ‘De Bruyne assisting and Haaland scoring’ has become one of the most common catchphrases of the season. Many teams have struggled to stop the pair in the past and it has been the primary reason for opposition’s downfall. The few who have succeeded to do so have man marked De Bruyne well, thereby cutting the service to Haaland. It is the same Real Madrid must also do next week. Even though Man City have quality players all over the pitch, it is imperative for Madrid to closely mark these two players in particular.
One thing is certain for any side that plays Manchester City that they will not see a lot of the ball. Pep Guardiola’s sides are impressive in keeping hold of the possession to frustrate the opponents on a given day. The same trend can be expected in the second leg as well. Hence, there will not be several opportunities for Real Madrid to see the ball but whenever they get possession, Carlo Ancelotti’s side must make the most of it. They should try to expose Man City’s high defensive line. Besides, there could be plenty of spaces behind the home side’s full-backs which can be exploited by Vinicius Jr. or Rodrygo. To do that, Real Madrid must move the ball quickly and efficiently from back to front whenever they get the possession.
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