Champions League: Real Madrid set to take on Manchester City for a spot in final

Real Madrid-Manchester City (Source: Twitter)

Manchester City endured one of the most terrible European defeats in their history against Real Madrid a year ago, but they now have the chance to avenge themselves.
City and Real Madrid have been drawn against each other in the Champions League semi-finals for the second season in a row.

Last year, City needed to avoid conceding two goals in the closing minute of the second leg at the Bernabeu, and they did do so in a dramatic manner. Riyad Mahrez gave City a 5-3 aggregate lead after winning the first leg 4-3 at Etihad Stadium. But, with Madrid's first two shots on target, replacement Rodrygo scored in the 90th and 91st minutes.

Karim Benzema then scored from the penalty spot in extra time to record a shock 6-5 aggregate victory, and Carlo Ancelotti's team went on to defeat Liverpool in the final. However, after City's 4-1 aggregate win against Bayern Munich to reach their third semi-final in a row, things could be different this year, especially with 48-goal scorer Erling Haaland in their team.

"I had a feeling we would see them," said City boss Pep Guardiola. "All clubs know if you want to win the Champions League you need to beat Real Madrid."

Madrid has won 14 European Cups, more than any other club, including five of the last nine. "Hopefully yes!" said City midfielder Bernardo Silva when asked about the chance of exacting revenge against the holders on 9 and 17 May, with the second leg at home. "We will go for it definitely. We always go for it, but we feel the team is very, very confident at the minute. I think we are going through."

They're definitely thinking about that: Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha

Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha, who was covering the game for BBC Radio 5 Live, believes vengeance would fuel their motivation. "From a fan perspective they're definitely thinking about that," he added. "I think they know that going into that 90th minute last year they were going to the final again.

"If you are the team that beats Real Madrid in this competition you have to believe you can win it all."