Friday 20:00 – Man City v Real Madrid: Half-time score to be 0-0
With the incredible quality of players on show here, this is certain to be a fascinating watch – but, don’t expect a goalfest.
While Real Madrid did win 10 games in-a-row to win a great La Liga title, punters would be forgiven for being flattered by that. Six of those 10 wins came via a single goal margin and they received penalties in five of those – of which four spot kicks were to take the lead in the game.
Zinedine Zidane’s men haven’t been shooting the lights out and have really just reverted to the pragmatic style of the Frenchman’s first spell in charge.
I’m really not convinced by them though and while goals are expected in this tie, I reckon it we will see a different story unfold at the Etihad Stadium.
I just can’t see Man City being caught on the hop here. It was 0-0 at the interval in the first game between these two and I expect a similar story here. Real are too smart to chase the tie massively in the first half and City’s lead means they can afford to sit in.
This should be a cagier affair than most expect, and that’s why I believe the scoreboard will be blank at half-time.
Karim Benzema to score first
With the way European competitions are being reffed these days and VAR being more prevalent than ever, we are seeing more and more penalties given in the games.
For value, I’m going to select Karim Benzema to score first for Real Madrid.
The French frontman has scored 21 goals this season so far and he has really stepped up to the plate since Cristiano Ronaldo left for Juventus.
Importantly for this punt, Sergio Ramos is suspended for this game and that means there’s no doubt Real Madrid’s spot-kick taker at the Etihad will be Benzema.
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Man City v Real Madrid tips summary:
Half-time score to be 0-0
Karim Benzema to score first
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