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We’re down to the last four in the Champions League and there’s a juicy tie in store on Tuesday night as Manchester City host Spanish giants Real Madrid.
It’s all eyes on the Etihad as City look to reach the final for the second season in a row – and dump out the 13-times European Champions just like they did in the 2019-20 campaign.
Our resident tipster Phil Thompson has cast his eye over this one along with Paddy Power trader Brian McDonnell and they’re both in agreement on what to expect in this blockbuster clash.
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Tuesday 26th April, 8pm: Man City v Real Madrid
TV: BT Sport 2
THOMMO: Real Madrid are certainly no pushovers.
We’ve all been saying they’re not the same as before – with the likes of Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Karim Benzema all ageing – but they’re still able to pull it out the bag with those comebacks against Paris St-Germain and then in the second leg against Chelsea where they’d been battered all game.
They find a way. And that’s what champions are made of.
It’ll be tough, but Manchester City are deservedly favourites.
Real had the weekend off, and haven’t played since winning 3-1 away at Osasuna last Wednesday, so they’re well rested.
I think City will have too much for them, but I fancy both sides to get on the scoresheet. How about Gabriel Jesus? Four goals against Watford last weekend – but he got just two in 19 before that. Astonishing!
Despite that, my goalscorer bet is Kevin de Bruyne. He’ll step up the plate. I fancy City to win this 3-1.
BRIAN: Phil’s usually accused of copying my notes – well I’m doing it to him this week! I’ve gone for the exact same – City to win 3-1 and Kevin De Bruyne to get on the scoresheet.
They need to be wary of Karim Benzema though. He’s on fire, and is just getting back with age.
It’s now 25 La Liga goals, 12 in the Champions League, and he’s got every chance of scoring in this one with Joao Cancelo suspended and Kyle Walker and John Stones injury doubts.
I think Real will score, but City will have too much for them. Madrid could look to sit in tight and frustrate like they tried to do in the second leg against Chelsea.
That didn’t really work and they found themselves 3-0 down before getting back into it, but City are a different proposition. I’m not sure these games will be as exciting as those quarter-final matches, but they’ll get the job done, spearheaded by that man De Bruyne.
He’s a bigger price than the likes of Jesus, Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez and is a big-game player who has already netted against Man Utd, Liverpool and Chelsea this season.
So, I’m going exactly the same as Phil. City to win 3-1 and Kevin De Bruyne to score.
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