Real Madrid prepares to face Manchester City in the first leg of the first leg of the Champions League semifinals. Champions League semifinals. Here are the latest details:
A "Complete" Team
Carlo Ancelotti has denied any speculation about Real Madrid preparing a specific plan to face Erling Haaland in next Tuesday's Champions League semi-final opener. Instead, he has claimed that focusing on any one player could underestimate Manchester City's ability as a "complete" team.
Since the two clubs met in last year's semi-finals, which Madrid won 6-5 on aggregate, including a dramatic 3-1 comeback at the Bernabeu, City have added Haaland, who has scored 51 goals this season, to their squad.
"Haaland is a very dangerous player," said Ancelotti in his statements to the press ahead of the first leg. Haaland is an obvious threat. But just talking about Haaland means not talking about a complete team that plays well, that attacks, that has ideas.
Madrid with a good brand against the Premier
Real Madrid have a formidable record against Premier League teams in recent years, eliminating Liverpool and Chelsea in this season's Champions League after knocking out Chelsea, City and Liverpool on their way to the trophy last season.
Midfielder Toni Kroos said he was not surprised that, despite their recent record, many people see the Premier League champions as favorites. Kroos said that, just like last season, no one believes they are capable of beating the English teams. But they managed to prove their ability a year ago. Now, they hope to achieve the same feat.
The starting 11 for Real Madrid vs Manchester City in the first leg of the semifinal is ready.
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- MadridTotal (@MadridTotal_) May 9, 2023
Modric back
On the other hand, Ancelotti confirmed that midfielder Luka Modric will be back in the starting lineup against Manchester City. Modric was recovering from a thigh injury. Ancelotti said that, if Modric feels well, he will play. At the end of the day, it is a joint decision between the club and the player.
Real will need all their arsenal to beat City. There is no doubt that Pep Guardiola's club has shown what it is capable of. Considering that City is a "complete" club, it should come as no surprise that Ancelotti is thinking of a game plan that will disrupt City's rhythm. That is why the inclusion of Modric is key for Madrid moving forward.
The Revenge
For their part, Guardiola and City will be looking to avenge last season's defeat. Although Guardiola has made it clear that there is no thirst for revenge, the desire to emerge victorious on this occasion is surely something that will occupy the English team's mind.
For the time being, City has the weapons to dispute a semi-final, and why not a final, against any other team on the planet. We are very close to finding out if this edition of the Champions League will have a different outcome, or if it will continue to be more of the same.
