Manchester City vs. Real Madrid: TopNaija’s views on the clash

The Champions League sets upon football fans the most anticipated fixture in the second leg of the Semi-final with a return to hostilities between Real Madrid and Premier League side, Manchester City.

Once beaten, twice shy they say but when it comes to Real Madrid and the Champions League, once beaten, it’s never a guarantee that you won’t get beat again. In fact, it is all the more a motivation for the Los Blancos to do it again, and show the world, the first time wasn’t a fluke.

Manchester City on the other hand, have history with Real Madrid after years competing for a first title in Europe’s grand tournament. They have history both as a team and through their manager, Pep Guardiola whose affiliation with Barcelona makes this fixture a very personal one by every standard.

For Guardiola, this match is almost like a derby, and though Manchester City may be seen as having quite an advantage–the Etihad factor; last week’s clash shows Real Madrid though far off their best, still know the secret code to doing the damage when the need arises.

For all of Manchester City’s dominance in the first leg, their countless shots on target, key passes, press and counter press, the Los Blancos only needed just a shot on target to make the Cityzens shiver for their lives.

It wasn’t until Kevin De Bruyne produced a master class that City could get into the score sheet to prevent Madrid from getting the advantage.

Even with the advantage, last season showed nothing is guaranteed, not even in 90 minutes of play when it comes to Real Madrid. Hence, if Manchester City were to stand a chance at getting past the mental block the Champions League has on them, they will need to kill off Real Madrid with every chance they get.

What our thoughts are of the game;

Manchester City still remain clear favorites owing to the Etihad factor, as the Cityzens have built quite the reputation this season at home games, and in by that respect have all the advantage to steal a victory.

However, their doom would be letting Real Madrid into the game and forcing it to extra time when and if they could win it at 90 minutes.

Also, the Cityzens should bear in mind the game is lost if by any chance the former La Liga champions are allowed to open the scoring. With all that in mind, we favor Manchester City to steal a 2-0 victory from the game.