Man City struggle against teams who sit back and counter attack against them like Man Utd and wolves. If Zidane sets up the defensive structure well then counter attacks with hazard, bale and Benzema then it will be pretty comfortable. Bale hasn’t been as good recently but I think he’s a must start against Man City. Against an epl team he will be motivated like he was against Liverpool and the team can counter attack with his speed. Adama Traore destroye: Man City with his speed, imagine what Bale would do?
like sane, even if laporte returns, he won’t be match fit, and he was on the pitch that crumbled against spurs and Liverpool the last few champions league campaigns
I know people are concerned about carvajal’s form, but Man City are vulnerable to crosses so his and marcelo’s crossing would be key. If this was Liverpool instead of Man City then yes, I’d play someone more solid like militao at right back to deal with the counter attack because carvajal’s crossing ability would be hampered because Liverpool are comfortable dealing with crossing with big players like Matip and van dijk unlike man city
us vs city, you can't predict in what form both teams will be in February, if things played out right now, it will for sure be a high scoring two matches with the away goals being the key - because both defenses are bad. our biggest problem is that we relay on a single point of scoring, Benzema, that's it and its not enough.
I have a feeling if we lose this tie we will go on to win La Liga because of easier schedule and more motivation. I would not be opposed to that scenario honestly.
Great tie! Of course , we would have preferred Leipzig but hey who knows - this gives us a chance to meet them in QF/SF ! Now vs City - like always the first leg would be the key. Do not leak away goals! This is going to be crucial. Ofcourse , we would want to take a healthy lead into Etihad but remember 1-0 always better than 2-1.
Why are you counting Arsenal? They're 10th in the league, that's like literally saying we have Osasuna tie close.
Manchester City players are happy that they got Real Madrid in the RO16 as they want a revenge. Their technical team are worried that the Bernabeu will be too much for them. [@elchiringuitotv] pic.twitter.com/9bY8AUvasu— Infinite Madrid (@InfiniteMadrid) December 17, 2019
Hopefully Hazard is in form by then and I think we have a good shot. Pep tends to over think things and Zidane's unconventional lineups could throw him off. I think it will come down to injuries, form and Pep's system versus Zidane's wild card tactics. In any case, it should make for a good tie.
I’ve been looking at Man City fans reaction to the draw and they’re awfully gobby for a team that’s got ripped to pieces by norwich, Man Utd and Wolves this season . They’re saying what a finished club Real Madrid are, that they will win easily and that Pep knows how to destroy this club, ignoring the last time Real Madrid played a pep team, the result was 4-0 . Oh dear, a Real Madrid that people think is finished is the most dangerous Madrid. They still think this is the same Madrid of last season under lopetegui and solari
Quote taken from their forum . These guys are almost as bad as Liverpool fans. I seem to remember them saying the same this before the 2018 final. “Surprised by some of the negativity on here before a ball has even been kicked. Doesn’t send off the right message. We are the favourites going into this tie and for good reason. It’s a washed up Real side with an overhyped manager; a far cry from the team that Mourinho and Ancelotti once managed. They suit the way we play. I can’t see them sitting deep and hitting us on the counter, especially not at home in front of their whiny and fickle fanbase, who will want them to attack. Get a result away and we are through—there’s no chance they’re getting a result at the Etihad.” lol delusional bunch for a team that hasn’t done anything in the cl
De Bruyne, Silva they are good attacking players for sure but would you trust only one DM Rodri to be that midfield against Kroos, Valverde, Casemiro.
yeah and their defence isn’t great either. I’d rather play Man City than Liverpool for example. Liverpool you know can sit back with their good defence and are happy to counter attack with pace whereas Man City wouldn’t be able to do that with their poor defence
Liverpools front 3 are good sure, but they also don't have a good midfield as us. Henderson is nothing but a donkey, Wijnaldum is not as good as Kroos. Casemiro is better than Fabinho. I agree better to play City than Liverpool though
Well, we should also not be cocky about previous results vs man city. We had CR (and Bale) at their peaks.
Far cry from the team Mou and Carlo managed. Yea, that ZZ dude only won 3 compared to other two and kicked them out in 2016 semis. [emoji23] And we killed Pep the same way at Bernabeu on counter in front of "fickle fans" and that was a team that made 3 SFs unlike his City.
Underdog status is good for us. According to bookmakers the approximate probability of progression in the CL: Man City 71.4% v Real Madrid Liverpool 75% v Atletico MadridBarcelona 83.3% v NapoliValencia 61.9% v Atalanta That Man City number looks very inflated, Madrid surely deserve more respect.— Brendan Boyle (@BrendyBoyle) December 17, 2019
We were organized at the back against Pep in 2014 and had 3 clear cut chances against Bayern. Benz took his while Ron and Di Maria missed. Only clear cut chance Bayern had was late Gotze one which Iker saved. Pep's style is still the same and that's the blueprint to beat him in Europe. Also Ramos killed their zonal marking in corners in return leg. Another big opportunity if they don't buy a quality CB in January.