UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg: Man City has big advantage
(Baonghean.vn) - Although UEFA has abolished the away goals rule, the 3-3 draw at Bernabéu stadium still gave coach Pep Guardiola's team many advantages.
First is the home ground factor, as Kevin De Bruyne and his teammates will play the second leg of the quarter-finals at home. Up to this point this season, Man City have yet to suffer a defeat after a total of 23 matches played at the Etihad Stadium (18 wins, 5 draws).
In addition, in the last 4 times visiting Man City's "home", Real Madrid had to return empty-handed. In the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final last season, coach Carlo Ancelotti and his team were crushed by Man City with a score of 4-0.
Obviously, playing at the Etihad Stadium is a huge advantage for coach Pep Guardiola and his team and a big disadvantage for all opponents, and Real Madrid is no exception. Can coach Carlo Ancelotti erase the "curse" for Los Blancos?
In the away match against Man City, taking place on April 18 (Vietnam time), Real Madrid will not have the service of midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni because he has received enough yellow cards. Do not forget, the French player is one of the most stable faces of Real Madrid, despite having to take on the position of center back.
Thus, coach Carlo Ancelotti will not be able to bring along at least 3 important pillars, including: Aurelien Tchouameni, Thibaut Courtois and David Alaba. With a seriously damaged defense, it will be difficult for Real Madrid to stand firm against the bombardment of Man City's attack.
In contrast to the difficult situation of the away team, coach Pep Guardiola will have the best players in hand. Almost certainly, the trio Kyle Walker - Nathan Ake - Kevin De Bruyne will have a physical foundation of 100%. Indeed, Man City is good and also lucky at the right time.
It is very likely that once again, Real Madrid will have to suffer a "bitter defeat" at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester. And if they defeat the team with the most achievements in the C1 Cup/UEFA Champions League, coach Pep Guardiola and his team will have many opportunities to defend the throne./.
