Manchester City will go into their Champions League semi-final first-leg against Real Madrid as favourites.
But manager Pep Guardiola is in no doubt as to the size of the task ahead of his side over the course of the next eight days as they try to reach a second straight final.
Guardiola knows all about the 13-time European Cup winners - who have the pedigree, the players and the manager in Carlo Ancelotti to cause problems for his side. Yet the City boss believes the moment has arrived for his Premier League champions to grab a place in Paris on May 28.
The two have met twice before in the Champions League knockout stages. Initially In 2016, City's first semi-final in this competition, and an own goal from City midfielder Fernando proved enough to send Madrid through 1-0 on aggregate over the course of two legs. In 2020 City gained their revenge posting 2-1 wins at both the Bernabeu and the Etihad – Gabriel Jesus netted in both games as Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling also got on the scoresheet.
The stage is set between the Spanish champions elect and last year’s runners up, where a moment of magic or a mistake could decide matters. Nicolas Anelka played for both sides during a much-travelled and stellar career and here he runs the rule over the key match-ups which he believes could decide the tie’s fate.
Dias v Benzema
"Ruben Dias has become one of the best central defenders in the world during his time at City - but against Karim Benzema I think it could be his biggest test yet. He has probably been the best player in Europe this season and hasn't just been scoring goals for Real Madrid but also making them as well. He is in the best form of his career and it is hard to see how he can be stopped."
Mahrez v Militao
"Riyad Mahrez is a player that always impresses me. There were times when he was not always starting - but when he did play he always looked dangerous. Now he starts for a very strong City team and is playing at a high level. Madrid will be happy that they have Eder Militao back from suspension he has been a strong defender for them."
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De Bruyne v Modric
"Luka Modric and Kevin De Bruyne are probably the two most creative players on the field and two of the best midfield players I have ever seen. They have so much vision, so much creativity, and in games that could be very tight it might be up to one of these players to find a little bit of magic."
Rodri v Kroos
"Rodri has been one of those players for City that offers them composure and stability among all the brilliance they offer. In games like this you need that anchor in midfield and he can provide that. As for Toni Kroos we all know about his ability and he has played in so many of these games."
Silva v Camavinga
"Bernardo Silva is another player who impresses me every time he gets a chance and with City playing without a recognised striker his goals have been important. I have a feeling Eduardo Camavinga will start this game. At 19 he is already showing he can be one of the best."
