Another enthralling tie in this seasons Champions League sees 15-time winners Real Madrid take on Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
Around this time last year, it was the Kylian Mbappe show, as the Los Blancos’ knocked Manchester City out in fine fashion, resulting in a 6-3 aggregate score.
However, these teams have already met this season at the Bernabeu, and it was payback from Manchester City, as they took all three points back to Manchester.
For City, it was a win last weekend away in the FA Cup to a difficult venue in St James Park.
Guardiola’s side are also unbeaten in 11 competitive matches in all competitions.
As for Madrid, it was a last-minute winner away to Celta Vigo to keep their La Liga title hopes alive.
Player to watch: Antoine Semenyo
He has hit the ground running in Manchester since being signed in January, and with seven goals already for The Citezens, he will be looking to get off to a dream start if he is to make his Champions League debut this evening in Madrid.
Player to watch: Vinicius Junior
With eight goal contributions in the Champions League so far, the Brazilian was a key factor to Madrid’s progress in the last round against Benfica.
And if Madrid are going to progress further in this competition, Alvaro Arbeloa may have to rely on a moment of magic from the very talented winger.
On regards to the fixture, Guardiola said: “When we are here, we have to prove ourselves, for my experience arriving in Champions League, semi-finals, finals, if you are not who you are it is more difficult.
“We arrive better because we have the squad. Last season we arrive with a lot of fatigue.”
Arbeloa on the importance of Vini Jr, he said: “For us, regardless of who is on the field, as long as he is there, he’s going to be very important.
“We have key players missing who are fundamental to our team, some of the best in the world, who have earned their place through performance. Vini is taking on a lot of responsibility and is our offensive cornerstone. We need the best from him if we want to eliminate Manchester City.”
