FOOTBALL

UCL: Man City vs Real Madrid. Who will win?

Published

3 years ago

April 26, 2022

admin

Would-be La Liga champions Real Madrid will visit the reigning kings of English football Manchester City for their Champions League semifinal first leg tie on Tuesday night.

The Citizens eliminated Real’s neighbours Atletico Madrid on their way to the semifinals.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid avenged their last season’s semifinal loss to Chelsea by knocking out the defending champions.

Manchester City gave Diego Simeone’s Atletico a taste of their own medicine as they sat deep in the second leg, allowing minimal scoring opportunities to Colchoneros.

A slender 1-0 lead City carried to the second leg was enough to ensure the semifinal tickets.

The match ended in a dreadful brawl between the two sides, but City remained standing in the Champions League.

Man City has been resilient

Following the Atletico match, Manchester City’s treble ambitions came to an end after crashing out of the FA Cup semifinals.

But, they have kept up the momentum in the league with two back to back wins against Brighton and Watford.

Despite Liverpool’s incredible form, City have held on to the Premier League top spot, with only five matches left to play.

Manchester City did not lose a European tie at home since Lyon came out on top of them in a group stage match back in 2018.

Man City have found the opposition net 13 times in their five home matches in the ongoing tournament. They are yet to concede a home goal in the knockout stages.

With Joao Cancelo suspended and Kyle Walker and John Stones racing against time to get fit ahead of the match, the hosts might find it challenging to retain the defensive resiliency they had exhibited in recent times.

Pep’s excellent record against Real Madrid

But, Man City boss Pep Guardiola will be in no short of confidence because of his excellent record against Real Madrid and their current manager.

If Man City progresses, Pep Guardiola will be the first manager in history to eliminate Real Madrid three times from the Champions League.

In his previous 19 meetings with the Madrid outfit, he won 11 times, drew four and only lost four times.

Guardiola boasts an even better head-to-head record against Carlo Ancelotti, having won against the Italian on four out of six occasions.

Real Madrid’s road to the semifinals was barely smooth.

They had to overcome a 1-0 deficit against Paris Saint-Germain in the Round-of-16 and then threw away a two-goal lead themselves in the quarterfinals.

Madrid won the first leg 3-1 against Chelsea, but the Blues bounced back in the second half and took the match to extra time. Thanks to an extra-time Karim Benzema goal, Madrid survived the scare.

Madrid have all but secured the La Liga trophy with a 3-1 win over Osasuna.

Ancelotti’s men will set their sights on the Champions League with the domestic title fight almost sorted out.

Real’s poor record against English clubs

Real have a six-match winning run to draw inspiration from, but their recent form against English teams will be a cause for concern.

Real Madrid have only one win in their last six encounters with Premier League clubs.

They also failed to win against Manchester City in their previous three meetings and have fresh memories of getting eliminated from the Champions League Round of 16 by City in the 2019/20 season.

Ancelotti will get to call back Eder Militao to the starting XI after the defender sat out the second Chelsea game because of suspension.

David Alaba joined Real’s piling list of injuries alongside Eden Hazard, Mariano Diaz, and Luka Jovic.

Modric did not play any minutes in the Osasuna game.

So, his fully rested legs should be ready for the Manchester trip.

Ferland Mendy could miss the game, and if he does, Marcelo will fill in at left-back.

Our Prediction

Both teams will have some big name absentees in defence, making it likely to become a high-scoring game.

Karim Benzema and Vinicius Jr can threaten any defensive setup in the world while City have enough ammunition in form of Phil Foden, Kevin de Bruyne, Riyad Mahrez, Raheem Sterling, and Gabriel Jesus.

Home advantage and defensive superiority make City the favourites for this match.

We predict a 2-1 win for Manchester City.

FC Goa

FC Goa Triumphs Over Mohun Bagan with a 2-1 Victory

Published

3 days ago

December 21, 2024

Maadhav

FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan! FC Goa secured a memorable 2-1 victory against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League at Fatorda Stadium. This high-stakes encounter ended Mohun Bagan’s unbeaten streak, marking a significant moment in the league.

Brison Fernandes opened the scoring for FC Goa in the 13th minute, assisted by Borja Herrera. His shot deflected off Mohun Bagan’s Tom Aldred, giving Goa an early lead. Despite pressing attacks, Mohun Bagan failed to capitalize on opportunities during the first half, keeping FC Goa ahead.

The second half saw Mohun Bagan equalize through Dimitrios Petratos’ penalty, awarded after a handball by Armando. With the match level, momentum shifted briefly in favor of Mohun Bagan. However, FC Goa struck again in the 68th minute as Brison Fernandes headed in Herrera’s precise cross, sealing the lead and eventual victory for the home side. FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan!

FC Goa’s defense stood firm during the closing stages, with Sandesh Jhingan and Odei Onaindia effectively countering Mohun Bagan’s attempts to find another equalizer. This win elevated FC Goa to third place in the league standings with 22 points from 12 matches, showcasing their strong form this season.

The match underscored FC Goa’s resilience and tactical discipline, while Mohun Bagan will aim to bounce back from this setback. Fans were treated to an exciting contest, reflecting the competitive spirit of the league.

FC Goa

FC Goa Host League Leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant in ISL Clash

Published

4 days ago

December 20, 2024

Maadhav

FC Goa Host League Leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant in ISL Clash

FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant! The Indian Super League (ISL) promises an intense showdown as FC Goa faces league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant this Friday at Fatorda. With playoff positions at stake, both teams are set for a thrilling encounter.

FC Goa aims to break into the top three with a win, continuing their unbeaten six-match streak. Striker Armando Sadiku leads the Goa attack with eight goals in ten matches, while midfielders Iker Guarrotxena and Dejan Drazic add creativity. Young goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari’s three clean sheets in five matches provide defensive assurance. FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant!

Mohun Bagan, atop the league with 26 points, has relied on Jamie Maclaren’s scoring consistency and Greg Stewart’s midfield mastery. Although Stewart will miss the match due to injury, the Mariners boast six clean sheets this season, anchored by goalkeeper Vishal Kaith.

Both teams have impressive records, with Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season. The match could define playoff aspirations as Mohun Bagan aims to solidify their position, and Goa seeks to climb the rankings. Fans anticipate a tightly contested game between two strong sides showcasing Indian football’s growing quality.

The match is critical for both teams’ playoff aspirations. FC Goa looks to capitalize on their home advantage and attacking prowess, while Mohun Bagan seeks to extend their dominance at the top of the league. With FC Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season, the battle promises to be a showcase of quality football.

Fans are eagerly anticipating this high-stakes clash, which could significantly impact the league’s playoff picture. Both teams have shown resilience and skill, ensuring a thrilling contest.

FC Goa

Mohun Bagan SG and FC Goa Face Off in ISL 2024-25 Thriller

Published

4 days ago

December 20, 2024

Maadhav

Mohun Bagan SG faces FC Goa in a thrilling ISL 2024-25 encounter, promising intense action and crucial league implications.

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 features a highly anticipated clash between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and FC Goa at Fatorda’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday. Both teams come into this encounter in solid form, aiming to strengthen their campaigns at a crucial juncture in the season.

Mohun Bagan leads the standings with an unbeaten streak, registering seven wins and a draw in ISL 2024-25. Their defensive strength is evident, having kept six clean sheets. FC Goa, sitting fourth on the table, boasts a dynamic attacking style, with nine different players contributing goals this season.

This battle between Mohun Bagan’s resolute defense and Goa’s attacking versatility promises to be a high-stakes showdown. Goa seeks to overcome the league leaders and secure vital points to narrow the gap. Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan looks to extend its dominance and consolidate its position at the top.

Key players to watch include Mohun Bagan’s defensive stalwarts and Goa’s offensive playmakers. Both sides have demonstrated their capability to adapt to challenging situations, setting the stage for a thrilling contest. With the mid-season point approaching, the match carries significant implications for both teams’ playoff aspirations.

Fans can expect an intense, action-packed game as two of the ISL’s top teams vie for supremacy. Mohun Bagan’s strategic discipline will be tested against Goa’s creative and relentless attacks. This matchup is a must-watch for football enthusiasts, showcasing the best of Indian football talent.