Manchester City has won three of their previous four Champions League matches against Real Madrid, and they will be looking to make it four on Wednesday night. While the Citizens have moved from the last two rounds with 0-0 draws in the second leg, Pep Guardiola has stated that their goal this week would be very different.
Guardiola was quick to stress out that his side will go all out against Real after their exciting 4-3 triumph at the Etihad. After squaring up against more defensively minded sides in Sporting and Atletico, the Citizens will have more freedom to play against a Real side that will attack.
Real Madrid has a lot of hype heading into this one, which has been earned throughout the years thanks to their European supremacy. While they are coming off a La Liga title, the suggestion that City should be frightened seemed to me to be a little exaggerated.
While City could have ended the tie at home, they hold a significant advantage. Real are being touted as the comeback kings, yet they've been knocked out of the Champions League semi-finals in all five of their previous appearances after losing the first leg.
The Spaniards are similarly fortunate to be participating in this tournament. PSG dominated their last-16 tie before allowing Real to rally, whereas Chelsea dominated Real last month.