In this week’s edition of the UCL 5IVER, Desh looks at the various impacts of danger men; Karim Benzema, Edin Dzeko and Rafale Leao, who is expected to return for the second leg of the Milan Derby, and more.
The San Siro is set to stage its final major tie before being demolished and I am certain those in attendance are set for a historic night. Inter Milan raced to a two-goal lead with just 11 minutes on the clock over their cross-city rivals.
AC Milan come into the Derby Della Madonnina with just a single win from their previous five fixtures, across all competitions. Furthermore, the Rossoneri have recorded just one shutout during that spell, and I can’t see them building on that in this one.
On the weekend, Stefano Pioli’s men succumbed to relegation threatened Spezia, which prompted the Milan Ultras to vocalise their feelings. I have no doubt they will be as passionate as ever, albeit in the away section for this one.
Encouraging news on Leao injury update
Rafael Leao has committed his future to AC Milan, penning a long-term deal with the Italian giants. The talisman will have his work cut out for him, in his first appearance under his new contract, as he is tasked with overturning Inter’s two-goal cushion with a spot in the UCL final all to play for. The Portugal winger was ruled out of their first leg clash, following an injury sustained during domestic duty, but is bound to have a part to play in this one.
Rafael Leão back in training ahead of AC Milan's 2nd leg of the Champions League semi-final! ✅ pic.twitter.com/I0cJKIUa0R
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) May 15, 2023
Inter to rely on Vintage Dzeko
Edin Dzeko has been a constant supply of goals for Inter Milan this outfit and is showing no signs of slowing down. During his 47 appearances for the Nerazzuri this season, Dzeko has been involved in 19 goals, scoring 14 and assisting a further 5. The forward was an unused substitute for their weekend tie with Sassuolo in the Italian topflight, pointing to his inclusion in the team for their Champions League battle with Milan.
37-year-old Edin Džeko opens the scoring for Inter Milan.
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 10, 2023
34-year-old Henrikh Mkhitaryan doubles the lead.
Like fine wine 🍷 pic.twitter.com/mPaK5Y3o5U
Karim Benzema – Rested in mid-week and raring to go
Karim Benzema has proven his worth to the Madridstas season in, season out. Above all else, the serial goal scorer has demonstrated his prolific ability in Europe’s coveted cup competition. Across his previous 11 UCL knockout phase matches, Benzema has bagged 14 goals across and I back him to add to that when the Spanish club take on Manchester City.
Karim Benzema loves playing against Manchester City. 🥵 pic.twitter.com/zB3AQ2ldtn
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) May 9, 2023
Gundogan focused on City… for now
İlkay Gündoğan has been getting involved in the thick of things. The Manchester City midfielder has returned 4 goals and 2 assists across his previous 3 appearances, across all competitions. With the German international out of contract at the Etihad at the end of the season, he will have added motivation to give his all for these all-important final few fixtures.
Ilkay Gündogan won’t communicate any decision now. He wants to focus on Man City final games & winning titles — there is no green light to any proposal yet. 🔵🇩🇪 #MCFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 13, 2023
Barcelona remain keen on signing him with an important contract bid, but still waiting on Gündo to decide. pic.twitter.com/mMgJb3iwV5
1000+ goals for City under Pep!
Manchester City have scored 3 or more goals in 4 of their 5 UCL appearances at the Etihad this season. Indeed, Guardiola’s men have scored 20 home tournament goals – the most from all clubs in the competition. Frighteningly, half of those have come in their previous 2 bouts and I think that trend continues when Madrid enter the frame. Erling Haaland has delivered 7 goals and an assist across his previous 4 tournament appearances.
Man City hit 1000 goals in all competitions under Pep Guardiola on Wednesday, the quickest a coach has done so in the Premier League era:
— B/R Football (@brfootball) May 4, 2023
Pep Guardiola: 404 games
Arsène Wenger: 554 games
Sir Alex Ferguson: 601 games
😤 pic.twitter.com/yXewOGiuxp
