However, after witnessing Barcelona inch ever closer to winning La Liga, Real Madrid will seek to prioritize winning their 15th top-level European crown. They have only failed to reach the final once in the last five seasons in which they have made it to the semis, losing to Chelsea in 2020-21. Real Madrid has scored in 16 consecutive Champions League games since a 1-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in February 2022, with five successive wins and three clean sheets.
However, they conceded a goal in their last four matches, including Torro's strike for Osasuna in the Copa del Rey final. Meanwhile, Manchester City has won 15 of their last 16 games in all competitions, except for a 1-1 draw with Bayern Munich in the second leg of their quarter-final. However, City coach Pep Guardiola is at risk of setting an unwanted record of seven Champions League semi-final eliminations, with his current statistic of six being the joint-most alongside Jose Mourinho. Last year, City lost to Real Madrid in the semi-final 4-3 at the Etihad before losing 3-1 at the Bernabeu after extra time.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Real Madrid will have to adjust their lineup for the first leg without Militao due to suspension, while Mendy is also expected to miss out due to a calf injury. However, Modric is set to start after recovering from a hamstring concern, with Tchouameni possibly making way for him. Rudiger will replace Militao at center-back, and Camavinga will continue in his makeshift left-back role.Guardiola is concerned about Ake's hamstring injury and Palmer's ankle issue, but he may bring back Walker to contain Vinicius Junior. He will also field a well-rested squad that includes Rodri, Stones, Bernardo Silva, and Grealish, all of whom were benched during the weekend.
Haaland, who broke the Premier League's single-season scoring record with 35 goals, will undoubtedly be a threat in the Champions League, where he has the best goals-per-minute ratio in the competition's history. Despite failing to score over the weekend, he is expected to give his admirers plenty to ponder on Tuesday.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Real Madrid possible starting lineup:Courtois; Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, Camavinga; Valverde, Kroos, Modric; Rodrygo, Benzema, Vinicius Jr
Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Ederson; Walker, Dias, Akanji; Stones, Rodri; Silva, De Bruyne, Gundogan, Grealish; Haaland
EXPERT PREDICTION
Real Madrid 3-3 Manchester City
Man City, and Haaland in particular, will be excited about the opportunity to face a Real Madrid defense that will be without Militao, especially considering their recent struggles in keeping clean sheets in domestic competitions. Nevertheless, one should always keep in mind that Real Madrid is a formidable team in Europe, and should never be underestimated.
The first leg of the match is expected to be evenly contested, and we anticipate a thrilling draw between these two titans. This result will undoubtedly be more favorable for Guardiola's squad as they prepare for the return leg at the Etihad on May 17th.
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