Desh Parthab takes a look at a few telling stats ahead of tonight's Champions League semi-final second leg clash between Real Madrid and Manchester City. The spotlight falls on Phil Foden, Rodrygo and more!
Liverpool struck back with three goals in the second half to defeat Villarreal 3-2 on the night (5-2 agg) and book their spot in the Champions League final. Not only did Klopp lead his side to a third Champions League final in five seasons, but they also became the first-ever side to win all 6 away fixtures in a UEFA Champions League campaign.
They will face either Real Madrid or Manchester City who gave us a seven-goal thriller the last time these clubs met. Guardiola’s men make the trip across the south to the home of the current LaLiga champions for what will be a season-defining encounter.
History on City’s side
Guardiola’s City has won their previous three Champions League matches against Real Madrid – becoming just the third side to do so, after Bayern Munich (four in a row, 2000- 2002) and Juventus (three in a row 2005 – 2008). His opposite number, Carlo Ancelotti has become the first manager in history to win all five domestic trophies in each of the major 5 European leagues, following Real’s LaLiga triumph.
Real Madrid VS Manchester City 🔥#HalaMadrid #RMFC #rmalive #UCL #CHAMPIONSLEAGUE #ManCity pic.twitter.com/rhmnn83ppw
— KV (@V33973162) May 4, 2022
Rodrygo key for Real Madrid
Rodrygo Goes has delivered four goals and two assists across his previous six appearances for Real Madrid (across all competitions). The wideman has appeared in nine out of a possible 11 Champions League fixtures this campaign and for good reason – only Karim Benzema (24) has registered more shots on target than Rodrygo from all teammates. Similarly, only Benzema (14) has outscored the Brazilian in the competition from all of Real’s players.
Rodrygo with a brillant brace to put Real Madrid on the brink of a 35th La Liga title
— #ChampionsLeague (@alimo_philip) April 30, 2022
🔥#RealMadridEspanyol #UCL|#RealMadrid|#HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/WpAS9Lf1dd
Foden flying in Europe
Phil Foden has appeared in 10 out of a possible 11 Champions League outings for Manchester City. During that time he has bagged three goals but could have added to his tally as seen by his two big chances missed. His eight shots on target were only bettered by Riyad Mahrez (16) from all teammates. Furthermore, Foden’s five big chances created is a team-leading total.
🔵 Magic happens when KDB & Foden combine 💫
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 13, 2022
Who will star in Madrid? 🤷♂️#UCL pic.twitter.com/wgHz0L2dbp
Some hoodoo for Real to get over
A resounding 4-0 victory against Espanyol on the weekend secured Real Madrid the LaLiga trophy. Los Blancos have been superb all season long and will have their sights firmly set on adding yet another Champions League to their already trophy-laden cabinet. Their first leg semi-final loss was their sixth in the competitions history – they have failed to progress on each of their previous 5 occasions upon losing the first semi-final leg.
Real Madrid were in fine form against Espanyol in #LaLiga, here’s a look at how they broke them down tactically. A glimpse of what’s to come in tonight’s #UCL clash against Man City? 👀 pic.twitter.com/sG4qUAHK8x
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) May 4, 2022
City hot favourites to progress
City can become just the third English team to score three goals away against Real Madrid in all European competitions, after Manchester United (did so in a 3-3 draw in the European Cup in May 1968) and Chelsea (did so this season in Madrid’s previous home Champions League fixture). Manchester City have kept a clean sheet in each of their last five away Premier League outings – their longest ever run of consecutive away clean sheets in their league history.
🛡️ Tenacious in defence, silky in attack. 👌
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 4, 2022
Bernardo Silva was relentless in the first leg!@ManCity @BernardoCSilva #UCL pic.twitter.com/JlJ8SWu1dp
