2023-05-08 21:35:38
Published on :
The Champions League semi-final stage, with the first legs this Tuesday and Wednesday, offers a clash between the two best teams in the Champions League this year and a Milan derby. Posters as promising as they are tempting.
Real Madrid-Manchester City: there is no need for superlatives or advertising to know that this poster will keep all its promises on Tuesday from 7 p.m. (UT). On the one hand, the Madrid club and its 14 Champions Leagues (record) and never satisfied; on the other, the tireless contender who has all the weapons to finally win this trophy.
Madrid is still there, despite the weight of the ages of its stars (Benzema, 35, Modric, 37, Kroos, 33). The Spanish club has the recipe, and knows better than anyone how to win a Champions League. Even when he’s far from favorite, like in 2022.
Milan in turmoil
Exactly, like last year at this stage of the competition, Manchester City is presenting itself again, inflated with ambitions, eager to finally lift the trophy. Pep Guardiola’s men, reinforced by their Norwegian striker Erling Haaland, have certainly learned from last year’s double confrontation. They will remember that in the first leg, they had the opportunity to punish, much more than a 4-3, this Real Madrid which would overthrow them on their return to Bernabeau (3-1). With Erling Haaland, top scorer in the C1 (12 goals), Guardiola’s team will still have enough to shake Madrid, which will be deprived of its Brazilian defender Militao (suspended).
Real regained confidence this weekend by winning their 20th King’s Cup against Osasuna (2-1). The man of the match was the Brazilian Rodrygo who scored a fine double. On Tuesday, Manchester City players will also remember that young striker Auriverde was their nightmare with a two-minute brace in the second leg.
On Wednesday, away from Madrid, the city of Milan will be in turmoil with the derby between AC Milan and Inter for the second semi-final. The last two Italian champions will meet in the Champions League for the third time in their history. The Rossoneri have always won. First in 2003, in the semi-finals after a double draw (0-0; 1-1) which saw AC Milan qualify thanks to an away goal. In 2005, the second leg was interrupted after AC Milan goalkeeper Dida received a smoke bomb. Inter will have lost match on green carpet after losing (0-2) in the first leg.
Today the two Milan clubs are also in the fight in Calcio for qualification for the next Champions League. Both teams also know that the fastest path right now is to win the Champions League. This Wednesday, the reunion will undoubtedly be fiery between neighbors. To the delight of the Milanese.
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