PERHAPS the most eagerly-awaited game of the season, for neutrals and supporters alike, is Real Madrid's Champions League semi-final, second leg against Manchester City on Wednesday.
Last week's first leg produced one of the games of the season as they both fought it out in a never-say-die, high-scoring drama at the Etihad with City throwing away a two-goal lead on three occasions to eventually settle for a 4-3 win.
And there could easily have been even more goals in a truly enthralling contest.
There's every chance this could go the same way too, with Real Madrid's exhilarating home leg against Chelsea in the quarter-finals being a case in point.
Domestically, City are well and truly back firing on both cylinders and blew Leeds United away at the weekend with a brilliant display which yielded another four goals which has taken their tally to 13 goals in their last three games.
For Real, they will be on a huge high after clinching La Liga at the weekend following a 4-0 win too against Espanyol. It means manager Carlo Ancelotti has now won the title in England, France, Spain, Italy and Germany. Not the worst CV.
They were also able to only hand a rest to Karim Benzema, who is arguably the best player in the world on current form. Of course, he still scored when he eventually came on.
How the bookies view it
Despite Real Madrid's home advantage, Manchester City are firm favourites here at 11/10 with Coral, with most firms going evens.
The hosts can be backed at 12/5 also with Coral, with the draw 3/1 with bet365.
City are 3/11 to qualify with SBK and the Spaniards are 10/3 with UniBet.
Recent head to heads
Last week's thriller in Manchester can be seen below. The sides have met seven times and City lead 3-2, with two draws too.
Players to watch
The aforementioned Benzema's stats are frightening this season – his goal from the bench at the weekend was his 47th goal in 49 appearances for club and country. He is 6/5 to score with bet365 and with goals expected here, that could be banker material.
Gabriel Jesus has been in excellent form for City and has six goals in his last three games, including scoring in the first leg. He is 21/10 to score with Ladbrokes.
Anything else catch the eye?
Sometimes the obvious is the bet to go for and there's absolutely nothing to suggest this will be anything other than another thriller.
With over 2.5 goals warm odds-on at around 4/7, go for the both teams to score in the first half at 11/4 with bet365, which could have some value.
Benzema at odds-against to score simply has to be backed. There doesn't appear to be a defence in the world who can cope with the French international at present.
The cornerstone bet should surely be both teams to score and over 2.5 goals at a reasonable 5/6 with 10Bet. As for a winner….it's all about who lands the most knockout blows in an attacking slugfest.
This UEFA Champions League match between Real Madrid and Manchester City will be played on May 4, 2022 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Real Madrid vs Manchester City prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
