Three keys for Real Madrid to advance against Manchester City

Real Madrid’s task of achieving the comeback against Manchester City in the Round of 16 is a tall one. The 1-2 loss on the first leg is a terrible result for Los Blancos and they will be without Sergio Ramos in this game, so it will be extremely important for Madrid to create a “perfect storm” in this game and find a way through.

Here are three keys for the comeback.

1. Accuracy in front of goal. It’s not that Real Madrid are creating many quality chances this season, so they will need to take advantage of them if they want to advance. Los Blancos just can’t afford to waste any opportunities in this game, but luckily enough Manchester City tend to concede a few of them. Guardiola’s side is solid defensively overall, but a single mistake could cost them if Madrid can capitalize.
2. Set pieces! Manchester City’s back line isn’t particularly impressive on the aerial game with Fernandinho and Laporte, so Raphael Varane and Eder Militao should have the advantage on every single corner kick. Add Casemiro to that equation and Real Madrid might have a chance to score a goal “for free” in these plays. Nothing would help Madrid more than scoring one of those goals early in the game to increase momentum and pave their way.
3. Players off the bench. If Real Madrid are still fighting for the comeback by the 60th or 70th minute, which they should, players like Vinicius, Rodrygo, Asensio or Isco —if he doesn’t start— could be huge off the bench. Vinicius, Rodrygo and Asensio’s dynamism and speed with the ball on their feet would be valuable against a tired defensive line from Manchester City, so coach Zidane will likely try to use those weapons to create dangerous plays —and maybe the tie-winning goal— late in the game.

HOW TO WATCH, STREAM CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Date: 08/07/2020

Time: 21:00 CET (local time), 03:00pm EST.

Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, United Kingdom.

Available TV: TUDN (USA), Movistar La Liga (Spain)

Available Streaming: TUDN.com (USA), Fubo.TV (USA).

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