Manchester City welcome holders Real Madrid in a blockbuster Champions League playoff clash at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Both finished outside the top eight in the Champions League new format’s group stage and now one of them will advance to the round of 16. As for Man City, they survived a scare by coming from behind to beat third-tier Leyton Orient 2-1 in the FA Cup fourth round last weekend. Due to injury issues over the last three months, they have not been in vintage form either at home or on their travels.
Similarly, Real Madrid have not been at their sublime best and head to Manchester off the back of a 1-1 derby draw with Atletico Madrid. They are at the summit of La Liga but their performances haven’t been entirely convincing, especially due to an injury crisis at the back.
Without further ado, let us take a look at the key battles that could take place between the two European heavyweights.
#Erling Haaland vs Raul Asencio and Aurelien Tchouameni
There is no better place to start than Erling Haaland squaring up against Real Madrid’s patched-up back four. The Man City superstar has not been at his sublime best this season, yet boasts 25 goals in all competitions—including six in eight Champions League outings. He will be licking his lips at the prospect of facing a shaky Madrid backline.
With Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba and Eder Militao all injured, Ancelotti has no other option but to partner young Raul Asencio with Aurelien Tchouameni. They paired up against Atletico Madrid last weekend and did relatively well but facing one of the ruthless strikers in Europe in Haaland would be a daunting prospect.
How Asencio and Tchouameni communicate with each other and maintain their respective positions will be crucial in containing Haaland, who will want to make his presence felt in this mouthwatering European contest.
#Eduardo Camavinga vs Kevin de Bruyne
This makes the job of Eduardo Camavinga even more important from Madrid’s point of view. Expected to start at the base of the midfield, the French youngster’s primary job should be shielding the back four and not giving Man City any chance to expose them. He has to not only be composed in possession but cover a lot of ground off the ball.
For City, midfield maestro Kevin de Bruyne will be pushing to start after coming off the bench and scoring the winner against Leyton Orient in the FA Cup. With his flair, movement and vision, the Belgian could cause problems for Madrid’s defence. He will try exploiting gaps in midfield, something Camavinga should look to cut out.
If Camavinga can tame De Bruyne, Madrid’s chances of getting a positive result against City will become higher.
#Vinicius Jr. vs Matheus Nunes
One of the explosive wide forwards in world football, Vinicius Jr. can wreak havoc against a defensively fragile Man City side. With his trickery, flair, movement and burst of acceleration, the Brazilian possesses the potential to single-handedly decide the first leg.
The responsibility to stop the Madrid star will fall on the shoulders of Matheus Nunes, who is expected to start at right-back. The Portuguese has done a decent job deputising in that position following Kyle Walker’s departure to AC Milan, however, facing Vinicius will be a different kettle of fish altogether.
On paper, we could see Vinicius getting the better of Nunes in this battle, and if City want to avoid that, Phil Foden—playing on the right flank—has to track back a lot and provide assistance to his teammate.
