Michael Owen believes that Manchester City will book their place in the Champions League final with a victory over Real Madrid on Wednesday night.
City have made the trip to Spain for their high-stakes semi-final second leg against the La Liga champions and know they are close to making it to their second successive final, where Liverpool awaits them in Paris. Getting there will be no easy feat, however, as they'll have to overcome the kings of the tournament in their own backyard.
Pep Guardiola's side goes into the game with the advantage but it's a much slimmer one than it should have been after they missed countless great chances and repeatedly allowed Madrid back into the game in a thrilling first leg last week. City eventually won 4-3 but, as we've seen once again this year, a one-goal lead is hardly a secure one in the Champions League.
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However, pundit and retired striker Owen does believe the Blues will advance past Los Blancos to give them a chance to avenge their final defeat to Chelsea last year. He told BetVictor: “The first leg was a classic, this one should be just as dramatic.
"For Real, only losing by a goal was a brilliant result for them, and they’ll be hoping for more heroics at the Bernabeu. Benzema has obviously been incredible in this competition, Real will need more of the same if they are to go through.
"For City, I’m not sure how they didn’t win by more. They could have been three or four up in the first half, but didn’t take their chances and were left to rue them. There was some excellent performances in the side, but De Bruyne and Silva were simply brilliant.
"If City play like they did in Manchester, I think they will go through. The atmosphere in Madrid will be amazing, and Real will try to take the game to City. That should suit City though, and I can see them winning this 2-1.”
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