Real Madrid are gearing up for their date with destiny as the Merengues face Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-final.
In this article, we take a look at the three key player battles that could define the monumental clash between Real Madrid and Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabeu.
But Rico Lewis on the ball can cause great problems for Real Madrid.
The Manchester City academy graduate tends to invert and operate centrally because the Englishman’s composure in tight spaces is one of a kind.
If Real Madrid barely can keep a hold of possession, Lewis can offer dangerous blows in the pockets and with his progression through the center.
Real Madrid are gearing up for their date with destiny as the Merengues face Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-final.
The reigning champions will lock horns against the team that has won the most Champions League titles in history, setting the stage for an enthralling clash of football titans.
As Tuesday approaches, anticipation builds for exciting duels spanning every inch of the field.
In this article, we take a look at the three key player battles that could define the monumental clash between Real Madrid and Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Antonio Rudiger vs Erling Haaland
Antonio Rudiger neutralized the threat of Erling Haaland superbly at home against Manchester City last season by limiting him to just 21 touches.
The Norwegian striker has six goals in seven games in the Champions League this season. Considering his worth to the Cityzens as a deadly poacher, Rudiger will be aiming to recreate his defensive mastery to stifle Haaland’s attacking prowess again.
Haaland relishes making runs in behind, identifying vacant gaps between center-backs, and blitzing forward in transition, which allows Man City’s creators to exploit the space he creates and unleash their devastating attacking combinations.
The 23-year-old’s ability to convert crosses into goals and instinctive nature to embrace the back of the net demand the utmost concentration from center-backs.
As such, Rudiger would be looking to stick close to him like glue, get under his skin by wrapping his arms around him and intimately marking him when City are on the break.
Can Rudiger mark out Haaland? (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO/AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester City’s ability to find goals through other avenues means Rudiger would have to keep his eyes peeled out for any other threats, especially ensuring that the likes of Rodri and Kevin de Bruyne cannot release him through with their line-breaking pass.
But if Rudiger can successfully contain Haaland’s movements, the opposition would essentially lose their most reliable source of goals.
Fede Valverde vs De Bruyne
Two of the best midfielders in European football, yet with vastly different strengths and roles for their respective teams, Fede Valverde and De Bruyne’s duel in the center of the park will be sure to ignite sparks.
The Uruguayan powerhouse is renowned for his relentless efforts, excelling in the final third and defensive work.
Throughout the campaign, Fede has assumed duties in all phases of play, evading the press in the first phase, carrying the ball in transition, and creating chances in the final third.
Most importantly, his crucial role in Real Madrid’s off-the-ball pressing renders him indispensable, as he positions himself smartly to intercept passes and disrupt the rhythm of creators like De Bruyne.
Valverde is perfectly tasked to contain KdB. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
On the other hand, the Belgian star has often been Manchester City’s beacon of light in big games. De Bruyne’s ability to force transitions out of nowhere, play unassailable final balls, and score from the unlikeliest scenarios will compel Real Madrid to rob him of regular touches.
Most recently, he scored twice and assisted against Crystal Palace to win his side the game from a losing position. De Bruyne is a match-winner through and through.
Even when his impact is largely limited, De Bruyne simply needs moments to turn the tide of the game.
After all, last season, his impact in the first leg was negligible, but he tied the game with a glorious goal from distance.
Consequently, Valverde will be looking to prevent him from having a presence between the lines or prancing around in the half spaces, where his crosses possess the highest value.
Similarly, De Bruyne would have to assume greater responsibility off the ball, lending a hand to Rodri to make certain Valverde isn’t dashing through the Man City midfield.
Vinicius vs Rico Lewis
Vinicius will be up against a fresh face. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
In an encounter tailor-made for stars to rise to the occasion, Vinicius would undeniably be the one licking his chops the most at the prospect of leaving a memorable mark on the game.
With Kyle Walker set to miss out on the game due to injury, young Rico Lews will bear the responsibility of squaring off against Vinicius.
Out of possession and on paper, Lewis is expected to be the right-back, which could be an area Madrid will be looking to exploit as the youngster has his flaws physically and covering distances quickly.
Vinicius’ strengths in one-versus-one situations imply he will regularly look to take Lewis on and not shy away from being isolated to dribble.
But Rico Lewis on the ball can cause great problems for Real Madrid. The Manchester City academy graduate tends to invert and operate centrally because the Englishman’s composure in tight spaces is one of a kind.
If Real Madrid barely can keep a hold of possession, Lewis can offer dangerous blows in the pockets and with his progression through the center.
However, in counter-attacking scenarios and moments of chaos, Vinicius could dominate on the byline, especially when Lewis is dragged out of position centrally.
