UEFA drew Manchester City to face the tough opponent Real Madrid in the recently concluded Champions League quarter-finals. The defending champions must overcome Real Madrid who have won the UEFA 14 times to keep their treble dreams alive.
Manchester City’s Elite European Pedigree to Be Tested
Pep Guardiola’s side booked their spot in the quarter-final with an emphatic 6-2 on aggregate win over Denmark’s Copenhagen. Their outstanding European pedigree has had them reach seven consecutive Champions League quarter-finals but they have failed to land the biggest glory of winning the prize in recent campaigns.
However, City got over that poor record last term with a breathtaking victory over Real Madrid in the second leg of their semi-final tie at the Etihad Stadium. After a tough 1-1 draw in the Santiago Bernabeu, Pep Guardiola’s boys gave a first-half masterclass show on home ground. They bombed the Spanish giants to secure a 4-3 on aggregate victory and a showdown with Inter Milan.
Rematch With Familiar Rivals Awaits
Man City must now replay that success over two legs if they are to keep their hands on the famous UCL trophy. England midfielder Jude Bellingham has been added to the star ranks of Real Madrid. However, the premier league champions have an excellent record against the Spanish La Liga giants.
The first leg of this showdown will either take place on the 9th or 10th of April at the Bernabeu with the return match at the Etihad a week later. This leaves a crucial Premier League match with Tottenham sandwiched between the two European ties.
Manchester City’s Intimidating Route to Final
If Manchester City manages to overcome Real Madrid’s challenge, their route to the UEFA finals becomes even harder. Their semi-final clash will either be against Arsenal or Bayern Munich depending on the victor.
The current premier league leader Arsenal has pushed City in the title race this season, having already defeated them two times. This includes a late dramatic comeback to claim the Community Shield on penalties back in August.
Alternatively, a meet-up with Bayern Munich would replay last season’s quarter-final. City relatively comfortably won across the two legs.