After David Alaba was absent from the final training session of the newly crowned Spanish champions Real Madrid, it was clear that the Austrian team captain would not play in the second leg of the Champions League against Manchester City today (9 p.m., ServusTV, Sky, DAZN).
“It’s a big loss,” coach Carlo Ancelotti regretted the absence of the 29-year-old from Vienna, whose adductor injury had become acute again in the first duel with the English leader eight days ago. Real lost 3-4, the chance of reaching the final on May 28 in St. Denis against Liverpool or Villarreal (this match was still ongoing at the time of going to press) is alive.
The Madrilenians evoke the next magical night at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, where France’s Croesus Paris Saint-Germain have already found it hard to get 3-1. In the round of the last eight, the “White Ballet” was already 0: 3 behind against Chelsea, a catch-up race to 2: 3 brought the next happy ending.
“We have self-confidence, the crowd is behind us and the quality of the squad. Of course we will take some risks to rectify this small gap,” said Ancelotti, who has a real trump card up his sleeve. We’re talking about Karim Benzema, who has positioned himself for the World Player of the Year award this season.
The 34-year-old striker’s stats are outstanding. In 42 competitive games for Real, the 94-time French international recorded 42 goals and 13 assists. It goes without saying that Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola, who, according to The Sun, wants to extend his contract until 2025, which is due to expire in 2023, shows respect. “It was clear that it would be a match between equals. You need two very good games to knock out Real. Part one is done,” said the Catalan, who received a red rag for his FC Barcelona past Madrilenians will be. But Guardiola can handle that. He has his sights set on the final – and the sheer determination to finally lead Manchester City to their first Champions League triumph. A year ago, Chelsea became the final stumbling block (0-1).
Source: Nachrichten
