Author: Soorya G
In the semi-final, defending champions Real Madrid will face Manchester City in a repeat of last year’s clash. Manchester City, who were ahead with a minute remaining in regulation time, suffered a characteristic “Remontada” in the final moments when Rodrygo and Karim Benzema surprised the Cityzens. However, Manchester City will be varying from their opponents this time around and may not have to worry about chances going astray, like last time, due to the presence of Norwegian target man Erling Haaland.
He has scored 51 goals in all competitions this season and has been an integral part of the Manchester City team that is currently top of the Premier League table. City have been in much better form than their opponents and were last beaten in February. The Madrid side have lost two of their last three games and have all but surrendered not only the La Liga title to Barcelona, but also second place to Atlético Madrid. All this will serve as motivation for Los Blancos to establish an early lead at the Bernabéu in the first leg to reach yet another Champions League final.
Team news
Neither team has any injury problems and will certainly field their best players for the decisive clash.
Real Madrid: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Camavinga; Tchouameni, Kroos, Modric; Valverde, Vincius Jr;
Man City: Ederson; Walker, Dias, Ake; Stones, Rodri; Mahrez, Gundogan, Silva, Grealish; Haaland;
Main participants
Brazilian sensation Vinicius Jr. will be key for the Spaniards in the high-profile clash. The winger remains one of the best strikers in world soccer and is one to watch out for on Wednesday.
Jack Grealish has become one of City’s most important players this season. His creative side has improved under Guardiola, and he could be a nightmare for Los Blancos’ defenders.
Forecasts:
The first leg will be a draw
Although City arrive in much better form, the Bernabéu has been a fortress for Madrid over the years. So it’s still almost impossible to separate the teams.
Benzema to score
The Ballon d’Or winner had a spectacular season last year, especially against English clubs. He hopes to find the back of the net again.
Haaland scores
City’s creative play is second to none, which means chances will be created, giving the Norwegian an excellent chance of getting on the scoreboard.
Milan Derby
Two titans will face off in a battle of epic historical significance as Inter Milan take on AC Milan in two legs of the Champions League semi-finals. The first leg will be played on Wednesday, with the two teams in contrasting situations. Milan have drawn five of their last seven games, most recently against relegation candidates Cremonense. Milan’s players won’t be too worried, however, as two of their last three victories have come against the league leaders, including a resounding 4-0 win in the league, as well as a Champions League victory.
Inter, on the other hand, are in great form and seem to have found their rhythm after a period of poor performances, coming out victorious in each of their last four games in all competitions. Curiously, two of his four wins came against teams in the top four of Serie A, beating Juventus in the Coppa Italia and Lazio in the league. An exciting battle is set to take place at the San Siro, with many factors influencing the final outcome.
Team news
Milan go into the Champions League semi-final with almost all of their key players fully fit. Inter, however, are hoping to have Milan Skriniar back in action for the first leg, as the Slovakian has a back injury. Robin Gosens will probably only be available for the return leg, while Danilo D’Ambrosio will only be able to take part in the final if his team makes it.
AC Milan: Maignan; Calabria, Kjaer, Tomori, Hernandez; Tonali, Krunic; Bennacer, Diaz, Leao; Giroud
Inter: Onana; Acerbi, Bastoni, De Vrij; Dumfires, Mkhitaryan, Calhanoglu, Brozovic, Dimarco; Dzeko, Martinez;
Main participants
Rafael Leao has maintained his excellent form from last season and has emerged as one of Serie A’s best players. Involved in most of Milan’s successes, Leao would like to make his mark against their rivals.
Hakan Calhanoglu will be a player of great interest, thanks to his history with AC Milan and his subsequent transfer to Inter. However, he has the ability to influence the game significantly and that is Inzaghi’s hope.
Forecasts
Inter will win
Their players are in better shape than their rivals, which makes them slight favorites.
Mkhitaryan will score
The star has shown his class on several occasions so far and could be responsible for Inter’s victory.
Giroud to shine
The French World Cup winner has had tremendous longevity at the highest level due to his technical excellence, which can be very useful against a stout Inter defense.