MANCHESTER CITY will host Real Madrid at the Etihad TONIGHT as Pep Guardiola eyes an historic treble this season.
The two sides met in the Spanish capital last week for the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tie.
Vinicius Jr opened the scoring on the 36-minute mark with a thunderbolt that flew past Ederson.
Kevin de Bruyne replied with a screamer of his own to put City on level terms heading into the second leg at the Etihad.
Pep Guardiola's side are in pole position to claim the Premier League title following rivals Arsenal's defeat to Brighton on Sunday.
CITY vs REAL – BETTING TIPS, PREVIEW AND FREE BETS
While Real Madrid will have to fight for second with Atletico in La Liga after rivals Barcelona lifted the trophy on the weekend.
The winner will face Inter Milan in June's final.
Lautaro Martinez scored in the second-leg last night against AC Milan to seal a 3-0 aggregate win for Inter.
Many believe City and Real to be the two best club sides in world football.
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And they are sure to put on a spectacle at the Etihad.
Speaking ahead of the clash, City boss Guardiola said: "Now it's like a play-off. We can defend better in some departments and maybe we can attack a little differently.
"Alaba and Rudiger were so close to Erling, so there were very few spaces to find. Maybe we can adjust a couple of things."
Real gaffer Ancelotti declared: "We had good control of the [first leg]. When City had lots of possession we were in control defensively, then when we started to play we caused difficulties."
When is Man City vs Real Madrid?
- Man City vs Real Madrid will take place TODAY, Wednesday, May 17th.
- Kick off will be at 8pm BST.
- The Etihad will play host.
What channel is Man City vs Real Madrid on and can it be live streamed?
- Man City vs Real Madrid will be broadcast live on BT Sport 1.
- BT Sport customers can live stream all the action via the BT Sport app which is free to download onto your mobile or tablet device.
- Alternatively, you can follow SunSport's live blog to keep up to date with all the action from the Etihad.
Team news
Pep Guardiola should be able to call upon midfield general Rodri even though he was withdrawn late on from the Everton game with a knock.
Key players such as Kevin de Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Jack Grealish all started from the bench on the weekend.
Defender Nathan Ake should return to the squad after a spell on the sideline with a thigh injury.
But Guardiola is likely to keep faith with Kyle Walker in his back three to deal with Vinicius Jr's pace.
Meanwhile, Eduardo Camavinga suffered an injury scare in Real's game against Getafe on the weekend but has since been deemed OK to play.
Eder Militao will return to the squad after missing the first leg due to suspension and is likely to replace Antonio Rudiger in the XI.
Ferland Mendy is also fit after returning from injury.
Carlo Ancelotti was able to rest key players such as Karim Benzema, Luka Modric and Vinicius Jr on Saturday.
Odds
Match result:
- Man City – 4/7
- Draw – 16/5
- Real Madrid – 9/2
To qualify:
- Man City – 2/7
- Real Madrid – 12/5
*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and are correct at the time of publication.
- James Orr
When is the Champions League final?
Inter Milan await for the winner next month.
Inter beat rivals AC Milan 3-0 on aggregate to advance to the showpiece final.
And the Champions League final takes place on Saturday, June 10 in Istanbul.
- James Orr
Pep: I am already exceptional
Pep Guardiola is on the cusp of a stunning treble with Man City, but he says this season will not make or break his legacy,
The City boss said: "I have been here many times.
"My legacy is exceptional already. I have told the players to enjoy the moment – we are incredibly lucky to be here.
"It's in our hands, it depends on us, we don't have to do something exceptional – just win one game to reach the final.
"I have an incredible feeling about them. Whatever happens – thank you so much to them for bringing me and the City fans here again."
Credit: AFP - James Orr
Breaking news – Ivan Toney banned
Moving away from tonight's huge clash to bring you breaking news.
Brentford striker Ivan Toney has been banned for eight months for breaching football betting rules.
The FA made their decision today.
Toney is now banned until January 2024, and the suspension has started immediately.
Credit: Getty
- James Orr
Welcome to Man City vs Real Madrid
Hello and welcome to tonight's mammoth Champions League semi-final – Manchester City vs Real Madrid.
The tie is finely poised at 1-1 following the first leg last week.
Vinicius Jr put Real in front before Kevin De Bruyne levelled things up.And remember, the winner of tonight's clash will take on Inter Milan in the final on June 10.
Lautaro Martinez scored the winner last night as Inter beat rivals AC Milan 1-0, and 3-0 on aggregate.
City are chasing an astonishing treble this season with already one hand on the Premier League title and neighbours Man Utd in the FA Cup final.
We'll bring you all of the updates right here for the big one.
And we can't wait!
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