3 tactical changes Real Madrid must make in second leg vs Manchester City
3. Take advantage of City’s wingbacks
Manchester City has two of the best wingbacks in Europe. While Kyle Walker is known for his express pace, Joao Cancelo is known for his intricate play and ball-playing abilities. However Walker is most certainly ruled out of the second leg of the Champions League Semi-final, Cancelo is struggling for a bit of form. He was suspended from the first leg owing to yellow card accumulation.
While Vini can dominate even the best in the world took advantage of Walker’s absence by fooling Fernandinho with a ridiculous dummy, there was a feeling that Vini with the skills and capabilities that he possesses could have done more damage on that wing. Zinchenko occupied the left-wing in the first leg and is expected to contain Vini for the second leg as Cancelo will return to the lineup. With John Stones and Nathen Ake also doubtful for the match, Vini would be rubbing his hands at the prospect of facing a weaker wing-back. This time Real Madrid hopes he influences the game a lot more and proves to be the x-factor.
On the other wing, it is expected Fede Valverde will start alongside Dani Carvajal. Right-wing has been the Achilles heel for Real Madrid. Carvajal has found it tough to defend as he has not been at his physical best in the last couple of years. Asensio and Rodrygo have not been able to influence the game much whenever they have been given the chance to start the game. Therefore they are better off coming off the bench and let Fede start. Valverde is a bundle of energy seemingly having infinite lungs and stamina. He will be up against a formidable Cancelo and will be tasked to not let him get on the ball much since he can find the City forwards in open spaces. Real Madrid will not want more players roaming around freely inside their box.
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City has the best Midfield set up in Europe by a mile. It is extremely difficult to control the midfield against them. Real Madrid’s best bet would be to attack the wings. Vini and Fede can run around and cause City’s wing-backs a lot of headaches. Expect a bit of chaos and a lot of drama at the Santiago Bernabeu as Los Blancos march towards yet another Champions League Final.