Real Madrid: 3 key battles to watch at Manchester City

LW Raheem Sterling vs. RB Dani Carvajal

Raheem Sterling changed the course of the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu when he was substituted into the match. Real Madrid could not deal with Sterling’s work rate and brilliantly-timed runs off the ball. The wide forward is a special player who can change entire games in a mere moment, as he always knows how to capitalize on a defense’s weakness.

In the first leg, Sterling embarrassed Dani Carvajal. Despite being one of the best right backs in the world, Carvajal just could not cope with Sterling’s intensity on and off the ball. When Sterling joined the game, City looked so much more competent as a team and turned the game in their direction for a 2-1 win.

Carvajal has been excellent recently for Real Madrid, but he has not faced a player anywhere near Sterling’s level. This is a player who has scored five goals with two assists in the 2019-2020 Champions League, and he doesn’t look like he’s stopped for a moment. And when Sterling gets into a good position, he’s nearly automatic in front of goal.

If Sterling scores, that’s it for Real Madrid. They cannot afford to give up any goals at the Etihad Stadium, and if there’s one player who will be especially dangerous to Real, then it is Sterling. It is not an exaggeration to say he is one of the best attackers in world football.