Manchester City host Real Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League 2021-22 semi-finals at the Etihad Stadium in the early hours of Wednesday, April 27. The match will start at 12:30 AM IST (Indian Standard Time).
City boss Pep Guardiola will have to deal with a few absentees in the fixture. Midfielder Joao Cancelo is set to miss the first leg tie due to suspension while the likes of Kyle Walker and John Stones are doubtful and are racing against time to make the bench.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, have worries of their own. First choice defender David Alaba and midfielder Casemiro have niggles and are still doubtful for the match. The two have trained and have travelled with the team, but are yet to receive a green signal from the medical team.
Manchester City vs Real Madrid odds for UEFA Champions League 2021-22
Manchester City: 1.49
Real Madrid: 6.00
Draw: 4.70
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Note: Odds are subject to change.
Manchester City vs Real Madrid recent form
Although Manchester City’s recent run of form has been a little shaky, they have scored eight goals in their last two matches. This includes a 5-1 drubbing of Watford and a 3-0 win over Brighton.
Overall, these are the only victories the team has picked up in their last five outings across all competitions. During this time, they have lost to Liverpool in the FA Cup tie once.
As for Real Madrid, they have lost just one of their last five matches. Interestingly, the defeat came against the Premier League side Chelsea in one of the quarter-final legs.
Manchester City: W, W, L, D, D
Real Madrid: W, W, L, W, W
Manchester City vs Real Madrid head-to-head
The head-to-head record between Manchester City and Real Madrid is evenly poised, with both teams winning two games each while two matches have been drawn.
Manchester City win: 2
Real Madrid win: 2
Draw: 2
Manchester City vs Real Madrid prediction and tips for UEFA Champions League 2021-22
Given the defensive casualties, one can rightly expect the two managers to make some changes at the back. Even so, City will have the upper hand since their goal-scoring form at home has been exceptional, having scored at least twice in four of their last five matches.
Madrid, on their part, are record 13-time UCL champions but the fact that they haven’t beaten City in each of their last two meetings might play a part on Wednesday.
Featured photo: AFP / Peter Powell
