It will be a rollercoaster Champions League showdown at the Santiago Bernabeu as Real Madrid prepare to host Manchester City in the 2023/24 Champions League quarterfinal first-leg, MySportDab reports.
It will be a battle for the soul of European football as the two heavyweights lock horns at the iconic footballing theatre – the Santiago Bernabeu.
We reported earlier Real Madrid have requested permission from UEFA to roll out their newly-fitted retractable roof to cover the Stadium ahead of the clash. And the request has been granted for a closed, high-pitched, and fiery showdown.
It will be a rematch of the 2022/23 semifinal when Manchester City aced through to the final with an emphatic 5-1 victory.
The Cityzens drew 1-1 in the first leg at Santiago Bernabeu before breezing pass the then-European champions with a 4-0 victory in the second leg at Etihad.
After inflicting the chastening defeat on the LaLiga and European giants, City have grown stronger, and are undoubtedly ready for another showdown with the Los Blancos.
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The two sides have met 10 times in the European topflight with Manchester bagging 4 wins against Real Madrid’s 3. Three of the 10 meetings have ended in a draw.
Team News
Kyle Walker is leading Manchester City’s injury list ahead of the clash. Nathan Ake is also sidelined. Josko Gvardiol is a doubt for the game after coming off at halftime against Crystal Palace but has traveled with the team.
Norwegian prolific goalscorer Erling Haaland is available, including Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, and other top City stars.
Ederson is still on the sidelines and will man the sticks for the Cityzens. Pep Guardiola is likely to bring on Rico Lewis for Kyle Walker.
Thibaut Courtois is leading Real Madrid’s injury worry ahead of the game. David Alaba is also sidelined but Vinicius Jr will be back from suspension with Eder Militao also fit to start.
Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, Carvajal, Toni Kroos, Modric, Arda Guler, Brahima Diaz, and Lunin, are all available for the clash.
Kickoff and Prediction
Both teams play an expressly attacking football but it will be a difficult game as they set out to lay the groundwork in the double-header.
Both teams are likely to score, and it may end in a 2-2 draw. The match will kick off by 9pm Nigerian time and will be streamed live here at MySportDab. Stay tuned.
