UEFA Champions League

(224225) Real Madrid at (224226) Manchester City

What a start to the first Leg.  Bernardo Silva scored in the 2nd minute of the game for Man City, then City score again, this time an own goal, which levels the match before Rodrygo adds a second for Real Madrid just two minutes later so at the 14th minute mark, the score is already 2-1 in favor of Real Madrid.

They match obviously ended 3-3 when it was all said and done, so advantage goes to City now as they had back to the Etihad for Leg 2.

What was cool to see from City was their approach in the 2nd half.  Despite trailing by a goal, they didn’t panic and made sure to stick with their gameplan of building play and slowly working the ball up and around the field.  Their ability to hold possession and keep Madrid playing defense is hard to keep up with for a full 90 minutes and a big reason we saw City with the better chances in that 2nd half.

I imagine we will see more of the same from them at home where they are virtually impossible to beat and so confident in what they do.

Remember, these teams met last year, though it was the semifinals, but it could be eerily similar.  Leg 1 ended in a draw in Madrid before City blewout Los Blancos 4-0 at home en route to their first Champions League title.

The year prior, in 2022, these teams met again in the semifinals though the legs were reversed, but City still won at home 4-3.  Oh and in 2020, yet again these sided faced one another with City winning 2-1 in both legs.

So over the last five season, this is the 4th time that these teams met in the knockout rounds and City is a perfect 3-0 in the Etihad.  I trust Pep Guardiola’s tactics and adjustments he will make for this team going into Leg 2 and fully expect City to walk away with the win and move on to the semifinals.

TAKE MANCHESTER CITY -0.75

Line Parameter: 4% to -140, 3.5% to -150