Real Madrid Vs Manchester City: Hot Clashes In Bernabeu

JAKARTA - Real Madrid and Manchester City clash again in the match that determines the Champions League league phase. This meeting became the 15th clash between the two European giants. The match was held in Bernabeu on Wednesday 10 December local time.

Madrid came under great pressure after losing 2-0 to Celta Vigo last weekend. They have only won twice in the last seven matches. This situation made Xabi Alonso's position even more questionable.

The defeat to Celta exacerbated the situation because three Madrid players were carded red. Madrid attacks also failed to take advantage of many chances. The injury crisis made the team structure waver in all lines.

Madrid are now four points behind Barcelona in La Liga. They also just lost their first home game of the season. That condition put Madrid in a situation close to the crisis.

Even so, Madrid have performed perfectly at home in the Champions League this season. They collected 12 points from the five matches they have played. Kylian Mbappe became a motorcycle attack with nine goals.

Madrid previously won over Juventus and Marseille in Bernabeu. They recorded 13 wins in 14 Champions League group home games. Bernabeu remains Madrid's main weapon.

Manchester City came after losing 2-0 to Leverkusen on matchday five. Guardiola changed ten players in that game. He acknowledged the extreme rotation might be excessive.

City are now ranked ninth in the Champions League league league phase. They are behind the top eight because the difference in goals is worse. City could go down again if other results don't side with them.

But City began to stabilize again after the defeat to Leverkusen. They won over Leeds, Fulham, and Sunderland in the Premier League. Their front line performance is sharp again.

City tried to avoid a third straight defeat to Madrid. They lost 6-3 last season in the playoffs. Their away record at the Bernabeu was also inconclusive.

City only won once in seven visits to Bernabeu. The victory came in February 2020. The rest ended in bitter results for the Guardiola squad.

Madrid are facing this match with an increasingly severe defender crisis. Militao was injured in a hamstring and was absent for a long time. Carvajal, Alexander-Arnold, and Mendy are still in the treatment room.

Alonso is also not necessarily able to field Huijsen and Alaba. The two defenders are still racing against time to recover. Madrid was forced to rely on coating players on the back lines.

Mbappe remains a major threat with seven goals against City. Vinicius and Bellingham will support the attack. Madrid hopes that the trio's creativity can penetrate City's defense.

City is more complete even though John Stones is still in doubt. Rodri and Kovacic remain absent due to injury. Rayan Cherki has the opportunity to start after performing brilliantly last week.

Cherki recorded two assists including a beautiful Wednesday for Foden. Guardiola considered giving him the opportunity to appear from the start. City attacks are now more varied and creative.

This match is predicted to run openly and full of opportunities. Both teams are equally fragile behind this season. Many goals can be created in high-intensity duels.

Predictions lead to City's narrow victory with a score of 3-2. Madrid is considered vulnerable due to the fragile backline conditions. City has the potential to steal full points in this classic European match.