MADRID – The UEFA Champions League season 2022/23 semi-final first leg will be played this Tuesday and Wednesday night.
On 9th May, the clash of the giants between Real Madrid and Manchester City is the most focused show among football fans worldwide.
The defending champion is expecting a very tough battle at Bernabeu Stadium against the top favourite of the UCL winner this season.
However, the Spanish club could make use of their brilliant experience in this European competition, where they won a total of 14 titles.
With several top-class players including Karim Benzema, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Federico Valverde, Carlo Ancelotti’s squad seeks to eliminate the Blue Moons for two consecutive seasons.
Real Madrid knocked City out with aggregate 6-5 after extra time in the UCL semi-final last year.
Man City seeks revenge for first title
Manchester City looks for a revenge on Real Madrid, as their strength overall have been escalated this season.
The English Premier League powerhouse enhanced their firepower significantly, after they signed Erling Haaland as their number nine last summer.
The Norwegian has scored a total of 51 goals this season, including 35 in the EPL and 12 in the Champions League, making him the most terrifying striker worldwide currently.
Now, Pep Guardiola’s squad is the favoured side in this rivalry as the 22 years old forward might storm Los Blancos’ defence in both meetings.
Besides, Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish, Ilkay Gundogan, Riyad Mahrez, Bernardo Silva and other Cities’ players are also in hot condition who are able to score or assist.
AC Milan Vs Inter Milan
On Wednesday night, the Milan derby is also a highly popular rivalry which is favoured by millions of football lovers.
AC Milan and Inter Milan will meet again in the UCL semi final after a long wait of 20 years.
This clash of two of the greatest Italian clubs will send a Serie A team into the UCL final against Madrid or City.
AC Milan stands a better opportunity in this stage, as they have a remarkable performance this season, including eliminating Napoli, the Serie A winner this season, in the UCL quarter final.
Milan will play as the home team tonight at San Siro, although they are sharing the same stadium with Internazionale.
The history of Milan derby in UCL
The Milan derby appeared twice in Champions League history before their third meeting this season.
AC Milan knocked Inter out with the away goal advantage after an aggregate 1-1 in the semi final of season 2002/03.
In the UCL season 2004/05, they met again in the quarter final, the Black and Red Squad won again with aggregate 5-0.
A serious demonstration by Inter supporters during the second leg caused a major chaos, the disastrous fireworks forced the match to be ended earlier, the authority announced the Blue and Black Squad to lose 0-3 that night.
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