JAKARTA - Real Madrid's match against Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-finals is called the final early. The duel, according to Rodrygo, should have been held in the final.
The real match was avoided by both teams. Madrid did not expect to meet Man City on fire. On the other hand, Man City did not want to face Madrid in the early stages.
Both teams always meet for three seasons in a row. Last season, Man City eliminated Los Merengues in the semifinals. Even in the match at Etihad, Man City slaughtered Madrid 4-0.
Meanwhile, in the 2022 season, Madrid eliminated Man City. Rodrygo scored a brace in that match and striker Karim Benzema who scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot.
"This match brings back a beautiful and bad memory," said Rodrygo. "Honestly, [Man City] are opponents we don't want to face. They also have the same thoughts. They really don't want to face us," he said further.
Rodrygo also said that the match should be presented in the final. The reason is that both teams are the favorites to win wide-early trophies.
"This is a match that should have happened in the final. But this match has finally taken place at this time [the quarter-finals]," said Rodrygo.
"Man City is a good team. They won the Champions League and are the best team in the world today. But our team is also strong. It's interesting if we meet again," said the Brazilian national team player.
Madrid played the quarter-finals in a fit condition. The player has a long recovery time because he doesn't have a weekend game.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti was able to field the best squad. Only goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and defender David Alaba were absent due to injury. It is better if Eder Milito's mainstay defender can play after a long absence.
On the other hand, Man City came to Madrid in poor condition. They have to play three games in one week. This makes manager Pep Guardiola rotate the players.
Ederson goalkeepers who have recovered are still not played when Man City won 4-2 over Crystal Palace. Likewise, Phil Foden was rested.
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Defenders Kyle Walker and Manuel Akanji are still grappling with injuries. Meanwhile, defender Josko Gvardiol was injured in the match against Palace.
In the aftermath, Nathan Ake, who was about to be demolished, had to be included. However, Guardiola remains optimistic about facing the big match.
Real Madrid Lineup Forecast (4-3-1-2): Lunin; Carvajal, Rudiger, Nacho, Mendy; Valverde, Tchouameni, Kroos; Bellingham; Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo
Manchester City (4-3-3): Ederson; Lewis, Stones, Dias, Akanji; Silva, Rodri, De Bruyne; Doku, Haaland, Foden
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