REAL MADRID VS MANCHESTER CITY: A UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMIFINAL PREVIEW

In a season that has proven to be unique yet exciting in its own ways, lovers of the beautiful game are treated to another titanic class in the Champions League semifinal between Manchester City and Real Madrid. A repeat of last season's semifinal, where the Aristocrats and owners of European football from Madrid try to put in place the Gulf-backed nouveau-riche upstarts from Manchester in what promises to be an enthralling clash. Considering what happened the last time, fans and analysts cannot predict a clear favourite. In this article, I delve into the key statistics and tactical trends that set the stage for this mouth-watering clash between Pep Guardiola's Manchester City and Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid.

Let's start with the home team. Real Madrid. The home of everything successful in European football. Los Blancos, in recent times, have displayed know-how on how to defeat everyone in Europe, including their recent favourite victims, teams from England. Last season, under Ancelotti's guidance, they overcame formidable opponents such as Chelsea, Manchester City, and Liverpool to lift their 14th Champions League trophy. This season, they have already swept aside Liverpool in the round of 16 and eliminated Chelsea in the quarter-finals.

Key threats in attack for Real Madrid include the evergreen Karim Benzema and the thrilling Vinicius Junior. Most Los Blancos attacks involve Benzema dropping into space while holding up the ball and releasing the pass into runners. A skill that remains extraordinary even at 35 years old. The Brazilian crack Vinicius Junior complements the attack with his lightning speed and dribbling skills, instilling fear and trepidation in defenders. This "young-and-old" tandem has formed a devastating partnership in the Champions League.

Vinicius Junior's preference to take on and stupefy opponents is echoed in his remarkable statistics. He leads this season's Champions League in attempted take-ons, demonstrating his direct, fearless and dynamic playing style. With high praise from Ancelotti remarking him as "the most decisive player in world football", it won't be out of place to predict another decisive display on Tuesday night before the adoring Bernabeu Crowd. 

Real Madrid's desire to take advantage of the Next Neymar has had them unearth absolute gems, and Rodrygo Goes (Goals) is the same. Since his Champions League debut in the 2019-20 season, Rodrygo has scored 15 goals, showcasing his ability to step up in crucial matches against Chelsea and City last season. He started the season uncertain of his place in the team, but his versatility and goal-scoring prowess have made him indispensable to Ancelotti's squad. 

The fact is simple Real Madrid has a cocktail of experience and youth, but all with the same drive and desire to be decisive matchwinners gives them a solid foundation in their quest towards glory and telling the world, "We are the Kings and Owners of Europe". 

On to the Nouveau-Riche Upstarts, Manchester City. The deal among top clubs in Europe is simple. Win the Champions League. The absolute beasts and monsters have won it one way or the other in different guises. Bayern won it with the directness of Hansi Flick, Chelsea with the tactical acumen of Thomas Tuchel and Real Madrid with the calm and tactical knowledge of Carlo Ancelotti. All these teams and managers have done it and cemented a legacy.

Contrary to Real Madrid's dependence on Individuals, Pep and Manchester City have built a formidable collective unit with their riches, quality and guidance of serial winner and mad genius Pep Guardiola. This is still in pursuit of their first Champions League title. The Catalan side has managed to reach and get knocked out at every stage of the knockout phase in previous seasons. This season, however, feels so different, yet you can't help but feel a sense of déjà vu regarding their pursuit this season. Like previous seasons, they are hitting their stride at the right time and have their sights set on a historic treble. With varied strengths in their ball possession and quality, Pep has added a never seen impressive defensive assurance that doesn't lie in ball possession like previous Pep teams. The added aggression in their pressing from the front has allowed them to win possession in the attacking third more than any other team in the quarter-final stage.

Pep's genius (and madness) is well documented and is seen so much in this season with the transformation of John Stones into a pseudo-defensive midfielder/ fullback. His tactical acumen is evident in City's how the wide forwards' curved pressing runs and defensive shape that have troubled opponents. Also, City have become more adaptable, as seen in the games against RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich. In addition to the absolute control Guardiola demands in all game phases, City has learnt to be effective in transition. With the presence of the phenom Erling Haaland, the team has felt more complete than ever in the club's history. Also, City have added an element of physicality that has proven vital at both ends of the pitch.  

Predicting a winner between these two teams is a daunting task. City has the data and the collective in their favour and the desire of an institution to reach the pinnacle of European football. However, underestimating Real Madrid with their quality and je ne sais quoi on European nights would be a mistake. Madrid has a history of overcoming adversity and proving doubters wrong. With their focus solely on the Champions League after a disappointing domestic season, they will be determined to lift their record 15th Champions League trophy.

This clash between Manchester City and Real Madrid promises to be a thrilling encounter defined by the tiniest margins. Both teams possess talented players, tactical astuteness, and the desire to win. Whether Real Madrid's attacking threats or Manchester City's pressing and set-piece strength, this tie could swing in either direction. Ultimately, the outcome will be decided on the pitch, and fans are in for a treat as these two footballing giants battle for a place in the final.

Barcelona, Manchester City or Inter Milan? David's Dilemma

Good things like all other things have to come to an end as Bayern Munich's Austrian auxiliary man reaches his sunset at the Allianz Arena. Having won everything, there is to win with Die Roten, it comes as no surprise that he wants to have a taste of other leagues. At the peak age of 27, there would no better time to try this. His trophy haul and contractual situation make him an attractive option for several clubs in Europe. As is common practice in Europe, once the news of an elite player's desire to leave leaks, the big cats come sniffing. David Alaba's situation is no different. The moment his desire for a new challenge became public knowledge, the usual suspects in Real Madrid, Barca, City, and Inter have been hovering.

With the pick of Europe's elite as suitors, who will he choose?

Manchester City

The Cityzens are an exciting proposition for Alaba. Joining them means he reunites with Pep Guardiola, the man responsible for who he is today.

With City being made to look normal this season by some suspect defending, Alaba's defensive ability will improve them immensely at the back. He can play in the heart of the defense and also at left-back. Testament of his defensive ability is seen with 13 clean sheets in 29 appearances this season.

Pep's unpredictability when it comes to player selection only goes in his favor as his versatility makes him a shoo-in in defense, midfield, and attack.

Pep and Alaba are made for each other, as seen in their time together in Munich. The potential hitch is the Sky Blues' two-year ban from the Champions' League, but the reunion with Guardiola could tempt Alaba.

Barcelona

The lure of playing for Barcelona with Lionel Messi should be a lure too great to turn down, but with The Blaugrana in a tumultuous state on and off the pitch with Messidependencia at an all-time high, it looks like too great a risk for Alaba. Dominance on the domestic front has not translated into Champions' League wins, which the Austrian dreams of winning (again).

His passing ability should do the trick as it makes him a fit in Quique Setien's 'pass-centric' side.  He can slot right into the heart of the defense with Pique as current options; Umtiti and Lenglet have not been up to the standard. He can replace Jordi Alba at left-back when needed.

In moving to Barcelona, Alaba does not improve the team much. Still, he fits their style of play. A win for Barca, not so much for Alaba (if they fail to win the Champions' League).

Inter Milan

David Alaba appears to be Antonio Conte's most wanted player. Having failed to sign him while at Chelsea, he is trying again as he seeks to break the monopoly Juventus has over the league. In David Alaba, Conte gets a player who fits into his 3-5-2 and 3-4-3 systems.

He can play as a part of the three-man wall at the back or a rampaging wingback on the left. Also, he fits in as a deep-lying midfielder, a box to box dynamo, or an attacking midfielder. He epitomizes the energy that Conte looks for in his players. Should he join The Nerazzurri, he improves them on many levels and takes them back closer to the upper echelons of Italian and European football.

Moving to Inter does not guarantee that Alaba will win domestic trophies, to even talk of the Champions League. Still, it will give him a chance to develop under Conte, a manager who demands high levels of hard work, passion, and intensity on and off the pitch from his previous bosses.

Despite the numerous options, Alaba has two choices; to stay with Bayern or move overseas and test himself against the best in more challenging leagues in Europe.

Do you think we missed out on other teams Alaba could join? Let's hear it in the comment section below.

Weekend Insanity Index

Weekend's over and back to work! Boooriiing! Like Garfield, we all hate Mondays (or most of us). Till now! Your Weekend Insanity Index looks at the top 3 crazy (and unexpected) events on the football scene over the past weekend and scores them over an Insanity index of 5.

1. Manchester City 8-0 Watford 

Oh dear , look what Norwich did! Pep and his men roared back with an absolute romp. Taking no prisoners as Watford came to the Etihad to take eight bloody goals with 5 coming in the first 20 minutes.  Scary thing is Pep didn't start with his preferred starting XI (does he even have one?) !
1959 was the last time Watford conceded 8 goals; how crazy is that ?
Insanity Score : 5/5

2. Arsenal 3-2 Aston Villa

 
Madness! Absolute Madness I tell you! That Arsenal team has no business playing defense, they just can't (stares angrily at David Luiz and Maitland-Niles) ! These saps (except Aubameyang) from North London provide good entertainment value almost every weekend and this weekend was no different! Here's what made this game insane:
-Arsenal a goal and a man down at the break.
- Arsenal concede right after levelling it.
-Aubameyang with a late winner !

The only missing was Mings-El Ghazi 2.0
Absolute wringer of a match. Most entertaining league for a reason

Oh before I forget #EmeryOut
Insanity Score: 4/5

3. Granada 2-0 Barcelona 

This is a bit of a strange one for all involved. Granted Messi didn't start the game but its Barca and everybody expects them to win. Not! Barca have been dreadful on their travels since they got back from Anfield last April winning nothing in 7 games. With arguably the best youngster in football in Ansu Fati, Griezmann, Messi, Suarez and De Jong, Barca managed a single shot on target all game ! How insane is that ?
Insanity Score: 3.5/5

Honorable Mention: Sevilla 0-1 Real Madrid
Thibaut Courtois kept a clean sheet! Yes this is real. Real Madrid and Thibaut Courtois have kept their first clean sheet since February. What's crazy about this, they did it at  a ground they haven't won at in 4 years, against a Sevilla team that came into the game as the league leaders.
Insanity Score: 3/5

Quite an insane weekend. Expect more and add your insane moments and comments in the comments box.

MANCHESTER CITY ON COURSE FOR A HISTORIC QUADRUPLE.

With only two months left of competitive football, with no international breaks to halt momentums, the Sky Blues would hope their talented squad full of depth can propel them to a historic season. Having bagged the Carabao Cup already in February, Pep Guardiola's men are still in contention to clinch the Premier League, Champions League as well as the FA Cup.

Manchester City remain the only club across Europe's top five leagues vying for all four major titles, the quadruple.

Never in the history of English football has any team managed to be highly dominant and fortifying amassing all four titles in a single season. Not the great Sir Alex Ferguson's 1999 United team that swept aside the big guns en route to a remarkable treble. Not Arsene Wenger's invincible Arsenal side that never faced the chill wind of league defeats. Not even the great Liverpool team of the late 70's led by Bob Paisley who guided his side to back-to-back European Cups(now UCL). The list goes on and on yet no divine team pops-up as quadruple-winners.

To start with, maybe the laboriousness of such supreme achievement is underrated. Further, another rationale might be clubs prioritizing certain trophies in a realistic sense and not just going for all but at the end nothing. In another dimension, lack of squad depth and injuries might be the basis why quadruple looks almost impossible to attain, somewhat veridical.

When the supreme Manchester United team of 1999 amassed the historic treble, they only missed out on the EFL Cup, losing 3-1 to eventual winners Tottenham in the Quarter-finals. The Red Devils have been the closest team to have almost managed a quadruple in a single season, with a treble to show up for, in a season that arguably was the best ever in the clubs history.

A few weeks ago, when Kevin De Bruyne was quizzed about City's quadruple hopes, the Belgian claimed it would be "almost impossible" for the Sky Blues to manage such a magnificent feat, Pep Guardiola emphasising the difficulty too.  A response that eases off pressure on the English champions, perhaps also, lowering the high expectations of City fans.

Just a decade ago, when Pep Guardiola begun his managerial career at Barcelona, he won the treble in his maiden season going on to win six (6) titles in the 2009 year. A sextuple, never happened in the game before. Not in the days of old had any coach managed to win every single trophy in a particular calendar year, especially in their first managerial season. The current City manager once led Barcelona to 14 out of 19 trophies marking an era in which the Blaugrana were assertive, dominant and ruthless, reinvigorating a brand of football which won many applause and admiration.

Ten years later, having matured as a coach and having had a great deal of experience now finds himself with a City side who are almost as dominant as his Barça. In as much as the 48-year-old Spaniard is of the idea that the quadruple claims from the media is ridiculous, he is the man that oversaw a club that devoured and were utterly domineering in an era, the 2009 Barça sextuple-winning team. He has the magic, he just might be able to make history, clinch the quadruple that seems to have ever escaped the very best English teams.

The Premier League for now looks unlikely to be decided any time soon until the very end, a spirited Liverpool side that seems to have self-belief and will, never looking like stumbling or faltering, in fact playing with unparalleled verve, giving the Cityzens a run for their money.

Also, a nail-biter Champions League clash with Tottenham in the Quarter-finals. An onerous venture that further puts City through their paces as a team dubbed as quadruple-winners. An FA Cup final against a stubborn Watford in mid-May, every single trophy of utmost importance.

The former Bayern Munich manager would try every trick in the book to win it all. A quadruple for Pep Guardiola's City, might as well establish them as one of the greatest English side to have marked an era. Certainly, Pep Guardiola would be undeniably regarded highly, in the topmost echelons, as high as Sir Alex Ferguson.


Credited to Bright N. B. Antwi