Alexander Mostovoy, a former member of the Russian national football squad, shared his expectations for the Champions League semifinal second leg between Manchester City and Real Madrid.
He noted that after the draw he viewed the tie as evenly balanced. With the first leg finishing 1-1, he assessed City as having a narrow edge, around 55-45. He stressed the importance of Real Madrid’s quality, naming Vinícius Júnior and Karim Benzema as critical threats. While City have invested heavily and carry recent pressure to lift the trophy, Mostovoy pointed out that finals and semi-finals can swing in unpredictable ways, and the season’s momentum remains open to change. He conveyed a belief that every knockout series can be interrupted and that both sides possess clear paths to the final, depending on form and execution on matchday.
In Madrid, Real Madrid and Manchester City drew 1-1, with Vinícius Júnior finding the net for Madrid and Kevin De Bruyne replying for City. The return leg is scheduled for May 17 in Manchester, raising anticipation about whether the English club can translate domestic strength into continental glory.
Another Champions League semi-final saw Milan fall at home to Inter 0-2, with Edin Džeko and Henrikh Mkhitaryan on target for the visiting side.
Real Madrid enter the tie as defending champions after a 1-0 victory over Liverpool in last year’s final, a win sealed by Vinícius, who continues to play a decisive role for the defending champions.
Pep Guardiola, the former Manchester City manager, spoke candidly about the dynamics of the first semi-final pairing against Real Madrid, reflecting on the tactical contest and the adjustments that could shape the outcome of the second leg.