Real Madrid are getting ready to take on Osasuna in the final of the Copa del Rey. The big games keeping coming thick and fast for Carlo Ancelotti’s side though. Just days later they will take on Manchester City at Santiago Bernabeu in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final tie.
One could argue that that game might be even more important than the Copa del Rey final. For Real Madrid, the target is always winning the Champions League. They have won the competition for a record fourteen times.
On the other hand, Manchester City are still searching for their first European crown. And they suffered heartbreak at the hands of Real Madrid in the same stage of the competition last season.
For 180 minutes of the tie, it had looked like Manchester City were going through to the final. But then, Rodrygo scored in the 90th and 91st minute of the second leg to take the game into extra-time. Karim Benzema then scored the winner, as Pep Guardiola’s side failed to find another goal.
Manchester City suffer injury blow just days before Real Madrid game
It is clear that Manchester City will be looking to succeed, where they failed last time. Unfortunately for them, they have been handed a transfer blow just days before facing Real Madrid in the first leg.
Nathan Ake was forced off the pitch this weekend, in Manchester City’s game against Leeds United. The Dutchman has been dealing with an issue for a while now. As a result, it would come as a major surprise if he ends up starting against Real Madrid in midweek.
This season, Ake has established himself as a key player for Manchester City. As a result, if he does end up missing the game against Real Madrid, it would be a major blow for Guardiola’s side.