Manchester City Vs Real Madrid: Confident Treble Again

Midfielder Bernardo Silva and striker Erling Haaland celebrated goals in Manchester City's match. (X/@ManCity)

JAKARTA - Manchester City are confident to qualify for the Champions League semifinals and maintain the ambition to win trebles for the second time in a row. Moreover, Man City became the seed in the second match in the quarter-final against Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium, Thursday, April 17, 2024 in the morning WIB.

Man City has returned to the top of the English Premier League standings. Pep Guardiola's side have also become a strong favorite to win the league for the fourth time in a row.

Man City's success continued in the FA Cup against Chelsea in the semifinals. The match was held this weekend after they played Madrid.

Although it is only the top four, the Cityzens remain the seed in the oldest football tournament on earth.

What about the Champions League? Man City has strong capital to get rid of Madrid. A 3-3 draw at home to opponents at the Santiago Bernabeu made Man City even more confident when they hosted Los Merengues.

Man City had confidence because they should have won in that first game. But midfielder Federico Valverde's goal saved Madrid from defeat for equalizing.

This impressive achievement made Man City midfielder Bernardo Silva confident that he would repeat his success in winning trebles for the second time. If that is achieved, then Man City will set a difficult record to repeat.

Because they became the first and only team to win three trophies in a season in a row.

"We are motivated to take the second treble," said Bernardo Silva.

Only Bernardo Silva's statement was immediately denied by the manager himself Pep Guardiola. According to him, it is too early to believe that Man City will be able to win three more trophies.

"I don't want to say that I don't want to feel the same way as the players [winning trebles]. But I have different opinions. We are still far away from achieving that dream," said Guardiola.

"On the other hand, if we reach the FA Cup and Champions League finals and are in the same position when the competition leaves two or three games left, then we start thinking we will win trebles," he said again.

"Last season, I myself just believed it would be treble after defeating Manchester United in the FA Cup final," he said.

Confidence in the hunt for three trophies makes Man City very confident when hosting Madrid. The 5-1 victory over Luton Town in domestic competition is an important asset for Kevin De Bruyne et al.

Moreover, the win brought them to the top with a two-point advantage over Arsenal and Liverpool.

In this match, Guardiola was able to field the best squad. Not only De Bruyne, but Kyle Walker and Nathan Ake have recovered so they are likely to appear in that crucial big match.

Other players are also in the best condition because Phil Foden, Rodri and Bernardo Silva were rested against Luton. They will support striker Erling Haaland who still gets the mainstay despite failing to score in the first match.

Madrid is clearly not a light opponent for Man City. Coach Carlo Ancelotti has also prepared a team for the decisive match.

The rotation of the players was carried out by Ancelotti when they beat Mallorca 1-0 in the La Liga Spanish competition. Thus, the first player will appear fitter. Now, Madrid can fully team up in that match.

Last season's 4-0 defeat in Etihad gave Vinicius Junior et al a valuable lesson.

Ancelotti ensured the team had forgotten the defeat and focused on facing Man City with new powers.

The arrival of England winger Jude Bellingham has given at least a new color to Los Merengues.

"We have forgotten the match in the past. So, we focus on the game ahead," said Ancelotti.

"In the last match, both teams drew. The match was also a draw. This is what makes anything can still happen. The match against Man City is always spectacular. The same thing will happen in the following matches," he said.

The draw in the first match had no effect because Man City did not benefit from any of the three goals created in away matches.

If the final score is 0-0 or 2-2, the match will still be continued in extra time and then on penalties.

This is what makes the big match fierce and exciting. Both teams have the same chance and have to win the game if they want to qualify for the semifinals.

Manchester City Lineup Forecast (4-3-3): Ederson; Walker, Dias, Stones, Gvardiol; Silva, Rodri, De Bruyne; Foden, Haaland, Doku

Real Madrid (4-3-1-2): Lunin; Carvajal, Nacho, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Camavinga, Kroos; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr