The key battles as Real Madrid host Manchester City in the semi-finals of the Champions League
Manchester City will continue their quest for a historic treble this week when the clash with Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.
Pep Guardiola's side are point clear of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League and have a date with Manchester United in the FA Cup Final next month, but it's the Champions League that remains the trophy that has eluded the club so far.
They made it to the championship game in 2021 but lost to Chelsea; Pep Guardiola's last victory came with Barcelona in 2011.
Their Spanish opponents, in contrast, defeated City in the semifinals en route to defeating Liverpool in last year's final, and they are currently the Champions League champions.
Here are three crucial matches between Guardiola's team and Carlo Ancelotti's defending champions before their important clash.
VINICIUS JUNIOR v JOHN STONES
With 22 goals and 21 assists in all competitions, Vinicius is Real Madrid's most dangerous player, and I do not see Carlo Ancelotti altering his gameplan. Will Pep Guardiola, though? Can Manchester City afford to utilize that strategy against Vinicius? Stones has been excellent at having Manchester City send their right back into midfield. It would be dangerous to leave this amazing winger unattended.
ANTONIO RUDIGER v ERLING HAALAND
How can Haaland be stopped? Eder Militao, a defender who enjoys the physical aspect of the game, is among those who frequently advise getting aggressive with him. He will be suspended for this game, which is a major setback for Madrid. In order to keep Haaland under control until Militao can make it back for the second leg at the Etihad Stadium, Rudiger, a former Chelsea center defender, will need to step up.
DANI CARVAJAL v JACK GREALISH
Grealish played against Leeds on Saturday but was rested (thanks, Pep; he's also on my Fantasy Football team), even though he's one of the first names on the teamsheet when it counts. In that historic Bernabeu match between these clubs last season, he had at least two scoring opportunities, but Carvajal's cross in the last seconds foiled City. Spain is about to see another great fight.
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