Benson Chikezie is a Nigerian-based writer with many years of experience in the sports betting industry. He is a digital marketer by profession. Benson has written many sports related contents for various websites.
Real Madrid will face their second English opponent as they lock horns with Manchester City in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final tie. The match kicks off at 00:30 IST on April 27 and represents the seventh competitive meeting between the two sides.
City are chasing a double after seeing their treble hopes crushed by a 3-2 defeat against Liverpool in the FA Cup. Having overcome Atlético Madrid, another Madrid club, to get into the semis, they will hope to get a positive result against Real Madrid. Carlo Ancelotti’s side, on their part, overcame a scare from Chelsea to win 5-4 on aggregate and secure their place in the semis. We expect a thrilling football match as potential EPL, and La Liga winners face off. season.
Here is the latest form and team news from Manchester City and Real Madrid:
City have won two games on the bounce since their 3-2 loss to Liverpool, winning convincingly against Watford over the weekend by five goals to one. They prevailed over Atlético Madrid 1-0 on aggregate, in a tough contest that left several players bruised.
Guardiola’s men have been solid at home since losing 3-2 to Tottenham in February, with four wins and two draws in all competitions. Riyad Mahrez has been their most decisive player in the UCL with six goals and one assist.
City are suffering a mini-injury crisis with Joao Cancelo ruled out of this tie due to injury, while John Stones and Kyle Walker are doubtful to feature in the match.
Real Madrid managed to claw back two goals against Chelsea to secure their semi-final place, although they lost on the night. Two La Liga games have followed, and Los Blancos recorded a narrow win over Sevilla before winning 3-1 away at Osasuna to continue their league title charge.
Since losing away at PSG earlier in the tournament, Real Madrid have won all six of their away matches, scoring 14 goals. Carlo Ancelotti will hope his men can take that form to the Etihad Stadium, even as Karim Benzema chases his 13th Champions League goal this season.
Madrid have a bigger injury crisis than Manchester City, missing several players, including Ferland Mendy, Eden Hazard, Casemiro, Marcelo, Luka Jovic, and Jesus Vallejo, due to injuries. Gareth Bale is inactive, and David Alaba may not be fit to make the trip to England.
Quite expectedly, Manchester City are favorites to win according to the sportsbooks at Parimatch at 1.50 odds. A draw is available on the same sportsbook at 4.70 odds and a win for Madrid at 6.40 odds.
City to win is available at 1.50 and 1.538 odds on the Sportsbet.io and Paripesa sportsbooks, respectively. A draw is placed at 4.60 and 4.82 odds, and Real Madrid to win is at 6.00 and 6.30 odds, respectively.ks.
In the most recent meeting between Manchester City and Real Madrid (2020), Manchester City won both matches by two goals to one. Both teams are the highest-scoring teams in their respective leagues, and Real Madrid have a wealth of experience in Champions League matches, giving them a clinical edge against their rivals. Here are our thoughts on the possible outcomes for this fixture:
City were in fine goalscoring form over the weekend and look set to carry that form into this fixture. Madrid scored thrice away at Osasuna, even with Benzema losing two penalties. We expect goals aplenty over the two legs, and the outcome for over 2.5 goals is available on the Melbet sportsbook at 1.728 odds.
Both teams are in great goalscoring form presently, and Real Madrid particularly have individual quality good enough to unlock the meanest defenses. City play a patient, rewarding system, and goals from both teams are a likely occurrence. The odds for both teams to score are placed at 1.82 on the Sportsbet.io sportsbook.
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