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.

MIDWEEK MUSINGS: HAKIMI RISES

Achraf Hakimi’s rise from another Real Madrid youngster with lots of potential to a near world-class wideman has been meteoric. After winning the champions league in the 2017/2018 season with Real Madrid, he might have been hoping to continue winning at the club. But life and the Real Madrid's top brass, as usual, had different plans for him. He was put up for loan and had decent offers. He took the one that best served his interests in Dortmund and has not looked back since. Like Bruce Wayne in Batman Begins, Achraf honed and developed his skill away from the comfort of his home. The Bundesliga became his training ground, and with hope and dedication, he has become one of the best. All that remains is his return and the revelation of who and what he has become after two years away.

When the loan move was confirmed, Achraf, Zidane, and a majority of Real Madrid fans hoped he would return as a top fullback capable of protecting the right side of their defense. All involved hoped he could restore the integrity of a backline that had been leaky. In the Bundesliga, he has become a better defender than before and is seen as good competition for the incumbent Dani Carvajal (who honed his ability in the Bundesliga too). In Carvajal, he has a formidable foe who excels in the art of defense and attack. In 22 games, he makes 0.4 blocks per game as compared to Achraf’s 0.1. he also makes 1.3 interceptions vs. Achraf’s 1 per 90 minutes defensively. When it comes to tackles per 90 minutes, Carvajal again edges the young Moroccan 2.3 to 1.9. Carvajal makes it count when it comes to defense. Achraf, however, edges Carvajal in attack as he has 4 goals and 10 assists to Dani’s 1 goal and 5 assists this season. With all these, the expectation is that he takes over from Dani Carvajal one way or the other. However impressive Hakimi has been while on loan at BVB, no one is safe at the Bernabeu. The 21-year-old has inarguably overtaken Odriozola (who is on loan at Bayern) in the pecking order. Altogether,  whether he can usurp Carvajal – or left-back Ferland Mendy – is another matter.

Again, in the Bundesliga, Achraf has forged an identity as an agile and dynamic offensive force of nature. He has 14 goal involvements. Hakimi and his 45 take-ons per 90 is a top-five statistic in the Bundesliga among fullbacks with the Moroccan international completing a healthy 2.69. With his raw pace, strength, and athleticism, Hakimi often leaves opposing fullbacks eating his dust. Unlike most youthfully exuberant fullbacks, Hakimi’s attacking forays have end products. This season, he has been responsible for creating 13 big chances in the Bundesliga. This puts him in the upper echelon of chance-creating fullbacks. Such has been his usefulness upfront that Lucien Favre deploys him out wide in the attack when the need arises - most notably against Internazionale in the Champions League, scoring twice. He is capable of playing on either flank, too. His 10 assists ensure his offensive ability is not in doubt. His performances have helped him to forge an identity as a versatile player who can play on either side of the pitch.

The improvement has made him a player that Zidane can rely on upfront or at the back. His performances have been so impressive that Real Madrid was desperate to have him back.

In returning, he comes to help improve the rearguard while enhancing the attack. Just as Bruce Wayne returned as Gotham’s protector, Achraf Hakimi returns as a pivotal piece that adds to Madrid’s plan to dominate football with youngsters.

Question is, can he do it in Madrid or elsewhere? Let us know in the comments 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.

PEREZ Y BENITEZ : Los cánceres REALES

Watching Real Madrid over this season produce often defensive and insipid displays got me wondering, was the decision made on May 25, 2015 to relieve Carlo Ancelotti of his job the right one? The man who brought La Decima as well as an unmatched brand of attacking football which saw Real come close to breaking the longest winning streak in professional football. The man who made Madrid a joy to watch and football in whichever stadium Madrid played worth the money. The follow up on the decision to appoint a Defensive minded coach in the form of Rafa Benitez shocked not only myself and Madridistas but football aficionados worldwide

Its only been a matter of months and the ever demanding Madridista following is displeased at the style of the team in recent games. Such is the nature of the Bernabeu hotseat. A seat on which Rafa Benitez has been on for close to six months and is beginning to feel the heat. Often criticized for his defensive approach, he has not done himself any favors with the brand of football he is churning out with the amount of quality he has at his disposal. The insipid displays exhibited in games this season has made watching Real a real bore. The Clasico Debacle at the Bernabeu was the height of what Benitez has brought to Madridistas. The defeats suffered at the hands of Villareal and Sevilla as well as the draws at Atletico and Valencia do not do him any favors. His decisions to keep players like Isco and James out of a side that lacks creativity as well as criticisms of senior players and the refusal to acknowledge his best player does him no favors with the playing body. The Bernabeu faithful have had it with him and want his head which they will get after about 1900 GMT.

The man to present them with the head of Benitez, Florentino Perez has the Bernabeu on his back to resign since his dismissal of Ancelotti and appoint Benitez took him a step back. The circumstances leading to the disgraceful exit of club captain and icon Iker Casillas did not cover him in glory. The botched attempt to sign David De Gea and the expulsion of the club due to the failure of the club to deal with administrative issues. Perez unlike Benitez has a bit more time on his hands as the general elections are in sight and can right his wrongs with the club and its fans. Replacing Benitez with a more tactically balanced manager should pose no problems as the playing body appears united against the 'common foe' and may yet experience a renaissance.

The die is cast for both men as they have little or no time at the club but these cancers that Los Blancos face are proving to be dangerous and must be eliminated immediately and the decision that the Surgeon Perez (today) and the eventual cancer (during the elections) will be the best for Madrid as 2016 progresses

Real Madrid Comment: Discard Carlo And Madrid Is Doomed

The beginning of 2015 was supposed to be a period that mark fresh starts into new endeavors as well as renewed strength, passion and emotion for already existing projects. Real Madrid were matching toward La Liga with a comfortable lead over Barcelona as well as heading toward a record winning streak. It all looked rosy till Valencia showed up and handed them their first defeat in 22 competitive games. Blame started to be thrown around and a certain Welshman bore the brunt of it. The trip to Atletico did not help matters as the Madrid ship started to sink. The blame game became a regular feature since the turn of the year as Real's patchy form dragged on. Florentino Perez became a worried man and sought to find out what was happening to his beloved Madrid and who was to blame. Press reports seemed to have pointed Carlo Ancelotti as the cause and rumors swiftly started to circulate in the media. The media conveniently forgot to hit on the injuries that it the team. It is undoubtedly known that Madrid is a team that seeks beauty and efficiency, something that Ancelotti has been able to achieve. Also, he has delivered all but two trophies he has competed in his two years at Madrid. His ability to manage egos and maintain an air of calm while maintaining player happiness and satisfaction is an attribute that is desperately needed at Madrid and which he has been able to adequately provide. 

It is therefore baffling to logical Real Madrid fans as well as football purists to hear of the rumors in relation to his managerial position. He like any other human has his failings but overall, he is the kind of manager needed in the Real Madrid dugout. Florentino Perez's and the Madrid board's inability to publicly back him is not helping matters hence making the instability of the position one of the worst kept secrets in recent footballing history.
His proposed replacements are either partially suited for the job or totally unsuited. Taking a candidate like Andre Villas Boas will be a step backward for Madrid rather than a step forward as his inability to withstand pressure at big clubs was a feature in his tenure at Chelsea and Tottenham. He is more suited to calmer conditions and low pressure conditions as witnessed in his Porto and Zenit St. Petersburg jobs. The conditions and ability needed to succeed at a side like Madrid are absent and it will take a few more years of experience to be ready for the job. Reports circulating in Spain and Portugal indicate that Porto tactician Julen Lopetegui is also a candidate for the position. He has an upper hand over his Portuguese counterpart as he has a relatively better working knowledge of the workings of the club as he played there from 1988 to 199. Also, he was the manager for Real Madrid's B team. His little history makes him a suitable candidate as does his nationality and relative knowledge of the Spanish game, but his relative youth and inexperience at a higher level makes him unsuited to take charge at Madrid. Also, the word in Italy suggests Napoli boss Rafael Benitez is the leading candidate to take over as Carlo's replacement. He is a perennial candidate for the Madrid hot seat whenever it becomes available. This may be as a result of being Spanish as well as his relative successes in England with Liverpool and Chelsea. Also, his knowledge of the Spanish terrain puts him above his rivals but his failure to bring the best out of most of the big names he has managed as well as his inability to maintain a sustained period of success makes his chances of getting the job faint. Finally, Jurgen Klopp has also been slated for the job at hand. His ability to break the Bayern monopoly between 2010 and 2013 could do him a great deal of good as Barcelona seem to be on the path to a period of dominance in Spain again  . Also, his ability to get the best out of his players is a plus for him but his style of play does not suit Madrid all too well as his is similar to Jose Mourinho's counterattacking style employed while at Madrid. Madrid's demand for beauty and results will conflict with his style. Also his inability to maintain a sustained period of success rules him out of the job.

It is evident that Ancelotti and Madrid are a match made in heaven as he embodies what all these managers lack. His only failing lies in his haul of league championships. But with the materials at his disposal and his demeanor, he can undoubtedly raise Madrid from the ashes of this season's failure as seen by the team's resurgence after a poor start to the season. PAY HEED FLORENTINO! KEEP CARLO AND YOUR SHIP SAILS SMOOTHLY, LET HIM GO AND YOU DOOM YOUR SHIP AND IT'S CREW!