3 biggest keys to victory for Real Madrid vs. Manchester City in the first leg
3. Capitalizing on Manchester City’s weaknesses
In any game of football, being proactive and forcing the opponents to commit mistakes and then capitalising on those mistakes is a common tactic. Real Madrid often does the same, and they should be trying to do the same against City. And City, like any other football team, have their weaknesses, though there aren’t many.
One thing the team shouldn’t forget while starting the game is that they shouldn’t let City score the first goal. If City scores first, they will have complete control of the game after the goal and never present any chance to the opposition while leading. In City’s seven losses this season in all competitions, they conceded first, and I think that does show something.
City is a team that builds the attack from the back, starting with their goalkeeper Ederson Moraes. Ederson is very comfortable and confident with the ball at his feet, but he is prone to committing howlers and being slow with his decision making at times. This is something Karim Benzema should take a note of, and he should be planning to add Ederson’s name to the list of the victims of his pressure.
Like any other Guardiola team, even City are prone to conceding on the break. But their players recover quickly most of the time, and teams need to be quick in transition to capitalize on the breaks. Their way of defending crosses is a lot better now, compared to 2020, but they can be hurt with quick and low cutbacks. And they are also susceptible to conceding from set-pieces and shots from range, something which will keep the likes of Modric, Militao and Valverde on their toes. One moment of individual brilliance against this quality side can prove to be the difference-maker.
And last but not the least, Madrid should be mentally strong. They shouldn’t lose hope and confidence after conceding a goal or committing a mistake. City is indeed the best team in the world, but they haven’t won a single Champions League title yet. Why? Because they tend to choke at times, and their performance dips under pressure, something that we have observed against Chelsea last year and Liverpool every time. Even an intellectual succumbs to the pressure before a big match by often overthinking and overcooking his tactics.
Next. 3 biggest tactical decisions for Real Madrid vs. Manchester City. dark
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On the other hand, Real Madrid are mentality monsters. In the Champions League, they have produced two incredible comebacks this season, showing their mental strength and willpower from time to time. If they can show the same grit and determination at the Etihad, they can gain the mental edge over City and defeat them in their backyard.