Real Madrid: Five keys to coming back against Manchester City
By Parshva Shah
Start Marco Asensio, bring on Vinícius Junior in the second half
In Eden Hazard and Karim Benzema, two slots in Real Madrid’s attack will automatically be occupied, leaving room for just one more forward.
Zidane might go for Isco as the playmaker in a diamond formation, or start Rodrygo Goes on the right wing. In my opinion, Zidane should start Marco Asensio on the right side of the attack.
With Benjamin Mendy suspended, the left-back spot will be a vulnerable area in City’s back four, and Marco Asensio with his ability to run at the defense and cut in to shoot with his preferred left foot might be the X-factor for Real Madrid.
Asensio scored three goals after returning from injury and to be honest, he never looked like he missed 11 months of football due to an injury. He influenced a few games and was adept with his finishing. He could have actually had four if not for Benzema’s handball in the build up to the goal against Villarreal.
Meanwhile, Zidane has the luxury of choosing a lot of fresh and talented players from the bench. Theses players who could significantly impact the outcome of a game hinging on balance and Vinicius Junior should be in the conversation here.
Next. The young attackers are vital to a Champions League run. dark
With his gung-ho approach, he could cause a lot of problems to the City defense if brought on in the second half. The way he slaloms past defenders is a terrific prospect for one team and terrifying for the other.
Vinícius will most likely be brought on in the second half, although one can never really predict what is going through Zizou’s bald head.
Almost every pundit is fancying Manchester City to progress, but Real Madrid are Real Madrid, and they are more than capable of a remontada!