The Champions League semifinals kick off on Tuesday, with Manchester City playing host to Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium. City have never before reached this stage of Europe's top club competition, and certainly head in as underdogs against a side that have won it more times than anyone else. Real won their 10th title just a couple of seasons ago, becoming the first team to complete La Décima.
Manchester City vs. Real Madrid 2016: Time, TV schedule and team news for Champions League
Manchester City host Real Madrid in the first Champions League semifinal.
However, City can take confidence from the fact that Real have been far from perfect throughout the season so far, and only in recent weeks have they really hit their stride. Indeed, they suffered a 2-0 defeat away at Wolfsburg in the previous round of this competition, only to come from behind and progress to the semis by a single goal in the second leg. There’s no doubt Zinedine Zidane’s side are in good shape, but they’re far from unbeatable.
Key player: Sergio Agüero (Manchester City)
Manchester City are not a team littered with global superstars, though one of their players who certainly ranks among the world’s best is Argentine striker Sergio Agüero. He’s a magnificent finisher and a superbly slippery dribbler, making him a nightmare for opposition defenses. If they make one error, they’re likely to be punished. Having already scored 25 goals in all competitions this season, he’s a real danger man.
Recent history
These sides have only met twice before, with both encounters coming in the group stages of the 2012 Champions League. Real Madrid twice came from a goal down in the final quarter-of-an-hour, before Cristiano Ronaldo sealed a manic 3-2 victory in the very last minute. The reverse fixture ended 1-1, with a late Sergio Agüero penalty cancelling out Karim Benzema's opener.
Manchester City injuries and suspensions
Out: None. In doubt: Yaya Touré (unspecified muscle injury).
Real Madrid injuries and suspensions
Out: None. In doubt: Cristiano Ronaldo (thigh); Karim Benzema (hamstring); Dani Carvajal (knock).
Neither of these sides have any confirmed absentees, though both are waiting anxiously on the fitness of important first-team players. For City, midfielder Touré is in doubt; while Real Madrid will be hoping to have defender Carvajal and attackers Ronaldo and Benzema back in action.
Match date/time: Tues., April 26, 2:45 p.m. ET, 7:45 p.m. local
Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England
TV: Fox Sports 1 (US - English); ESPN Deportes (US - Spanish); RDS, TSN (Canada); BT Sport Europe (UK)
Online: Fox Sports GO, Fox Soccer 2GO, Watch ESPN (US); TSN live streaming (Canada); BT Sport live streaming (UK)
See More:
