Champions League titles should be earned, they aren’t given, however even Pep Guardiola should be questioning what Man Metropolis should do to not win the trophy this yr.
The Premier League giants are clearly the most effective footballing aspect left within the competitors, and after seeing Internazionale’s 2-0 win over rivals Milan on Wednesday, Metropolis needs to be licking their lips on the prospect of taking part in both Serie A large in the event that they overcome Actual Madrid within the second leg of their semi-final.
At this level, Pep Guardiola received’t have a greater likelihood to get his palms on a trophy that he final received again in 2011 at Wembley when his Barcelona aspect utterly dominated Man United in what arguably has been essentially the most one-sided closing so far.
That would even be surpassed if Metropolis make it to this season’s showpiece as a result of neither Milan aspect will maintain any fears in any way for the Premier League champions-elect.
The Italian giants are too gradual in transitions and nervous on the again, exactly what you don’t need to be in opposition to a counter-attacking aspect par excellence, and one which has Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish, Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland bearing down on you at tempo.
For now, their focus has to show to what may very well be a tricky journey to Goodison Park in opposition to an Everton aspect that utterly dismantled Brighton and Hove Albion final day trip.
2/9 – Actual Madrid have progressed from simply two of their 9 UEFA Champions League knockout stage ties when failing to win the primary leg at house – each of those have been in opposition to Manchester United (1999-00 and 2012-13). Omen? pic.twitter.com/PxpjJ7o6MA
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 9, 2023
Then there may be the small matter of overcoming Carlo Ancelotti’s Champions League holders on the Etihad Stadium subsequent Wednesday, earlier than ideas can doubtlessly flip to the ultimate.
Historical past is on their aspect, nonetheless, as Los Blancos have received simply two of 9 knockout ties once they’ve not received the primary leg at house.
