UEFA Champions League 2023/24 Season

[baeva]

I wonder, which team can underestimate Real Madrid?
Do you believe that there are teams that underestimate Real Madrid, especially about this is the knockout phase of the Champions League and of course every team will consider their opponents to be tough opponents in this round. Therefore, it doesn't seem right if you think or assume that Manchester City underestimates Real Madrid, it's very funny. After all, basically Manchester City and Real Madrid are also big teams but it is clear that Real Madrid is superior because Real Madrid have won many Champions League trophies. But the point is, every team that passes to the knockout phase like that of course every team will use all their abilities of course to be able to qualify for the next phase, and of course every team will not be able to underestimate the opposing team.

This is the quarter-final round which is occupied by the 8 best teams in the Champions League this season, so there is no reason for anyone to underestimate other teams, especially Real Madrid, who we know is the most successful team in the Champions League with 14 championship titles. . It's strange if a team underestimates another team in a very decisive round like this where 2 matches will really determine whether their journey in the Champions League will continue or not. Moreover, what I have seen so far is that Real Madrid is a team that is always being considered to become champions in the Champions League.

Both Real Madrid and Manchester City will be wary of each other, they don't want their journey to stop in this good season, what we hope is that they can meet in the final round, but we have to see them in this round. But even if our hopes cannot come true, at least we will witness an extraordinary match like this, where big and strong teams like them must be able to beat each other in this round.

It's not that fans are underestimating Real Madrid, it's that Manchester City have been incredibly strong for the last few seasons, they are going for broke, if you can call it that. Added to that is the fact that these two teams met last season and Real performed poorly, to put it mildly, getting thrashed, so fans remember it all the time

[Jody.Drummer]

it may appear that all hope is lost for Bayern Munich in the league but they can't give up now until the season is over  who knows if Leverkusen will lose 4 matches in the last remaining games and Bayern Munich will catch up with them so they are in similar situations with Arsenal.

Sure Bayern Munich shouldn’t give up, they have to fight till ending of the season, but you know Bayern Leverkusen is not also going to give up till ending of the season. How do you expect a club that haven’t lose any match since the beginning of the season to lose 4 matches continuously? Bayern Leverkusen is currently in first position, with 10 points ahead of Bayern Munich, I don’t think it will be easy for Bayern Munich to take over the first position from them. If Bayern Leverkusen can lose 4 matches, then am sure Bayern Munich will also be losing some matches, no club will keep on winning all their matches, lose will definitely set in.

Bayern Munich will not give up hope that a miracle will happen to them, and Leverkusen will also not just give up by letting them lose so that Bayern Munich can take over their position, that is something that is impossible to happen (Leverkusen gives up to get title), because the title is in front of their eyes now, there are only a few matches left before they can lock in the title this season.

I think there will be many people who want to see Leverkusen maintain what they have done so far, yes there will be many people who will expect them to become champions this season and there will also be many people who want to see Leverkusen set their new record without losing in this season. The reason is that it is very difficult to create an unbeaten record for a full season. And I personally don't remember whether anyone in the Bundesliga has ever done this or not, but what I remember is that no team has been able to record this record in the Bundesliga (correct me if I'm wrong). If they manage to do it then that would be amazing.

[topbitcoin]

The impending match between Manchester City and Real Madrid is poised to be an intense battle, with both teams displaying similar levels of performance. It's challenging to predict which team will advance to the next stage, given their current form. Manchester City, despite their formidable record last season, has not been performing at their peak, while Real Madrid's performance has also been lacking due to a shortage of strikers in their squad.

The managers of both teams are eager to secure victory in this season's Champions League, especially the Real Madrid coach, who may potentially depart from the club at the end of the campaign. However, it remains to be seen how they will fare in the first leg of the match. The outcome of this encounter will provide valuable insights into which team possesses the upper hand in the ongoing Champions League competition. The stakes are high, and fans around the world eagerly anticipate witnessing the drama unfold on the pitch as these two footballing giants clash in pursuit of European glory.

Madrid are doing well at the moment even though they don't have a pure striker so I think the reason Madrid are not very good without a pure striker in the squad has been broken by Madrid's good performance this season.
They are still going through matches well not only in the Champions League but also in the domestic league because until now in the domestic league Madrid has only lost once and for the Champions League from the group phase to the quarter-finals this time they haven't even lost once with statistics in 8 matches (including 2 leg round of 16) they managed to win 7 times and 1 draw so there is no reason to think Madrid is still bad without a pure striker.

Facing Manchester City will indeed be very difficult especially with the dark situation they got last season when at Etihad, so there is indeed a burden of its own but on the other hand Madrid if they really want to bring back the trophy then inevitably they must be able to beat Manchester City and hopefully the first leg at the Bernabeu goes well before they finally travel to Etihad stadium in the second leg.

[Falconer]

-snip-

precisely, Real Madrid has a big big experience of the Champions League and also its coach, Carlo Ancellotti has gained a lot of experience in this competition with Milan AC, by combining these two entities a crazy mix comes out, they are very strong, nothing to say about it

I know that's true, but Ancelotti was helpless last season against Pep Guardiola both home and away. In the Champions League, Ancelotti has won 4 titles, 2 of which were won with Real Madrid and the other 2 with Milan. Pep Guardiola has won 3 titles, 2 of which he won with Barcelona and 1 with Manchester City. The man has ambitions to win the title this season to double his title with Manchester City in two consecutive seasons, but I hope he fails in the quarter-finals this season.

Ancelotti certainly has a way to thwart Pep Guardiola this season in the Champions League, but he can still fail. Jude Bellingham must be the difference in the meeting between these two teams this season and I hope he can have a good impact on REal Madrid's efforts to qualify for the semi-finals. Pep and Ancelotti are two great coaches in the Champions League, as is the team they are currently coaching. So this quarter-final would have been great, it was a final that came too soon for both of them.

[JoyMarsha]

Although Manchester City knocked Madrid out of the Champions League last season, they will certainly try hard enough this season to get their revenge. But I think Real Madrid is strong enough this season to beat Manchester City and I think they will survive in the Champions League. Real Madrid must perform well and play brilliantly if they want to take revenge on Manchester City otherwise it will never be possible. Maybe the team that wins this season between Manchester City and Real Madrid will try hard enough to win the Champions League and win the trophy.

I don’t think there is room for revenge in this confrontation, the strongest wins here. Last season, City was stronger, this could be said before the match, but this time Real approached the quarter-finals in very good shape, however, City is also not behind Real in this. Before the start of their matches, I can say that now they are equal teams, but perhaps later I will change my opinion.

There will still be room for revenge because there is no way that Real Madrid would allow Manchester City to win them again. They will like to play with their whole strength to make sure they have a first-leg home win against the Manchester City team that denied them the Champions League trophy last season.

Real Madrid meeting Manchester City next month will make it the 13th time both teams will meet against each other in the Champions League matches. Real Madrid has won 4 times out of the meetings while Manchester City has won 5 couple with 3 draws

[Oluwa-btc]

Although Manchester City knocked Madrid out of the Champions League last season, they will certainly try hard enough this season to get their revenge. But I think Real Madrid is strong enough this season to beat Manchester City and I think they will survive in the Champions League. Real Madrid must perform well and play brilliantly if they want to take revenge on Manchester City otherwise it will never be possible. Maybe the team that wins this season between Manchester City and Real Madrid will try hard enough to win the Champions League and win the trophy.

I don’t think there is room for revenge in this confrontation, the strongest wins here. Last season, City was stronger, this could be said before the match, but this time Real approached the quarter-finals in very good shape, however, City is also not behind Real in this. Before the start of their matches, I can say that now they are equal teams, but perhaps later I will change my opinion.

There will still be room for revenge because there is no way that Real Madrid would allow Manchester City to win them again. They will like to play with their whole strength to make sure they have a first-leg home win against the Manchester City team that denied them the Champions League trophy last season.

Real Madrid meeting Manchester City next month will make it the 13th time both teams will meet against each other in the Champions League matches. Real Madrid has won 4 times out of the meetings while Manchester City has won 5 couple with 3 draws

There'll be no time for revenge and all that stuffs, for me personally, let the best side win the game. Too difficult for me to decide but Carlo Ancellotti and his side have no striker and they have been more of a defensive side to a attacking side lately. They have won games but the way they're structured looked awkward.

Manchester City and Pep Guardiola seems like the best option to win this game though. I just don't know how for Manchester City players would be of they come back Injured from the international duties.
Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid and Arsenal are also damaging sides who can undo and do. But we shall see how it unfolds.

[BABY SHOES]

precisely, Real Madrid has a big big experience of the Champions League and also its coach, Carlo Ancellotti has gained a lot of experience in this competition with Milan AC, by combining these two entities a crazy mix comes out, they are very strong, nothing to say about it

When it comes to Real Madrid titles, there's no beating them as they've had it all in European competitions, especially the UCL.
Last but not least, Pep Guardiola has a lot of experience in the Champions League with Bayern Munich, then Barcelona who has won the trophy now with Manchester City, so combining those experiences will be interesting.
It could be a battle of strategy and tactics now that both coaches have equally great teams, I believe Real Madrid can win and Manchester City can win because they beat them last season.

[Oneandpure]

There will still be room for revenge because there is no way that Real Madrid would allow Manchester City to win them again. They will like to play with their whole strength to make sure they have a first-leg home win against the Manchester City team that denied them the Champions League trophy last season.

Real Madrid meeting Manchester City next month will make it the 13th time both teams will meet against each other in the Champions League matches. Real Madrid has won 4 times out of the meetings while Manchester City has won 5 couple with 3 draws

Still memorize last match in Champion League how easily Manchester City defeated Real Madrid on second leg match in semifinal round over 4-0 and The Citizen qualified to final after winning aggregate 5-1. I think Real Madrid fans still memorize with the bad moment eliminating in Champion League semifinal last season, its not drastically change with tactical and players composition for this season. I think Manchester City has large opportunity for defeating Real Madrid again when both team have to face early on quarter final round.

Currently, Madrid have not pressure yet in domestic league after having many points gap with the 2nd teams, difference with Manchester City have focus on domestic league and face many crucial matches before facing Real Madrid in Champion League for the first and second legs match, will Manchester City can focus well in domestic league and champion league?

[Weawant]

Who's talking about knocking teams from the Champions League competition? Every manager keen on holding firm ground and focusing on winning the title because it's the ultimate important to everyone, Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti are experienced. Manchester City and Real Madrid are both great teams, having the basic necessities of winning matches with ease efforts. Revenge? There's no such thing because elite teams will continue to fight to become the best in the UEFA Champions League this season.

Champions league literally comes with a different spirit and kind of mindset such that every team wants to get to the finals because of the prestigious nature of the champions league, it's considered the top elite league across Europe in football so playing in the champions league teams usually do want to exhibit only but excellence and nothing Less even coaches too do have same spirit with champions league.

As a team or Player or even a Coach, it's actually seen a a very great height and achievement attained whenever they get to win the champions league trophy so they literally put in all their best to make sure they get to add this to their portfolio that they have once lifted the champions league trophy and that's why most Coaches in the champions league usees only but their best strategy and make sure they put out only but the best performance and that's the same spirit that can be seen in the Manchester city and Real Madrid team as it regards the champions league.

I would have wished to see them both face each other at the finals but then it happens to be that they are now meeting at this point making it quiet difficult to support a particular team especially for those who aren't fan of either team. Manchester city has always been the team to want to defend the trophy as they want to create history of which Madrid has this record already of winning the trophy twice in a row.

[Obim34]

Yes, I also agree with you. Both Man City and Real Madrid are in top form. In a narrow lane, Real Madrid and Man City faced each other again for the fourth consecutive season in the Champions League. The rematch between Real Madrid and Man City in the quarterfinals of this year's Champions League promises to continue to be a tense match. Man City will continue to defeat Real Madrid this season. In terms of player quality, Man City is still better. Although the talents of the two coaches are equal. Real Madrid can only be firm when they get the final piece of the puzzle, Kylian Mbappé. Only then will they dominate this Europe. Regarding the current squad, Real Madrid cannot overwhelm Man City.

So you're basically saying without Mbappe Madrid is not winning the champion League? This is a funny stand because they have done it before without Mbappe so why do you think they can't win without Mbappe, when the Mbappe himself has not won it without Madrid?
Man City has a higher chance of winning but they'll win not because Madrid don't have Mbappe, they'll win because they were the better team. Madrid can also win Man City without Mbappe.

Also, Madrid having Mbappe doesn't mean they will definitely dominate. Madrid has had better players than Mbappe before and they have had better squads than they currently have and they did not dominate in those times. Football is not only about stars.
What if Mbappe comes and the team becomes disorganised? Football is a team sports and for a team to succeed, everybody has to do his job effectively.

Let's not get him wrong, Mbappe style of playing fits the real Madrid pattern of playing, having him at Real Madrid will give them the upper hand to victory not that with his absent they won't  perform very well already they have been dominating all these while.
The match between both teams will be a tough one and it won't end goaless, since both of them are quite good with their finishing, it is left for the defenders and Goalkeepers to stop from conceiving many goals.

I really agree with your statement that Mbappe really suits Real Madrid's current style of play, but does Carlo Ancelotti want Mbappe in Real Madrid's current line, that is my question if Mbappe really wants to play in La Liga.

This is just my speculation, if these two players are still at Real Madrid then it would be very appropriate if Mbappe were brought in next season, because this figure is the one who is able to provide mature passes relying on the speed that Mbappe has, Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos are figures who is capable of providing mature assists, if Mbappe is used as a machine to pound the opponent's goal, then get ready it will be a frightening threat for La Liga clubs and European clubs.

Just exactly what I had in mind to say, Real Madrid having Mbappe  in their squad list will increase the reputation as bigger threat even to big team. Kylian has the speed to catch up through passes from Kross or Modric and his even a bit clinical than some Real Madrid strikers. It's now left for the manager to apply much pressure and he won't regret the signing.

[ginsan]

When it comes to Real Madrid titles, there's no beating them as they've had it all in European competitions, especially the UCL.
Last but not least, Pep Guardiola has a lot of experience in the Champions League with Bayern Munich, then Barcelona who has won the trophy now with Manchester City, so combining those experiences will be interesting.
It could be a battle of strategy and tactics now that both coaches have equally great teams, I believe Real Madrid can win and Manchester City can win because they beat them last season.

They are both equally strong and also both have great coaches so this match is not just about experience but perhaps full of prestige for both teams.
Manchester City, who was named the best team, will definitely try to perform better when facing Real Madrid. According to Pep Guardiola, he really believes that his team will not be afraid to face Real Madrid because we know that Real Madrid is the king of the Champions League.

The Bernabeu Stadium will be the main stage in this team's first meeting and I want to see how strong Manchester City will be when playing at the Bernabeu Stadium. Both teams certainly have quality players in their teams, where in the Real Madrid team we see that Bellingham is very aggressive this season where he scores goals very often and of course he must be the main concern for Manchester City defenders. Likewise with Haaland, he is Manchester City goal machine and of course he must also be guarded closely by the Real Madrid defenders.

[BITCOIN4X]

~Snip

When it comes to Real Madrid titles, there's no beating them as they've had it all in European competitions, especially the UCL.
Last but not least, Pep Guardiola has a lot of experience in the Champions League with Bayern Munich, then Barcelona who has won the trophy now with Manchester City, so combining those experiences will be interesting.
It could be a battle of strategy and tactics now that both coaches have equally great teams, I believe Real Madrid can win and Manchester City can win because they beat them last season.

Pep Guardiola and Ancelotti are two of the most accomplished coaches in Europe in the last decade, so I think every match between the two is always interesting to look forward to regardless of which team they coach. Pep Guardiola has a lot of experience in the Champions League, but Ancelotti has been more successful in terms of titles. Maybe that's important to say, but the team's performance this season is much more important in my opinion.

Manchester City and Real Madrid are both good in their domestic competitions, they are also good in the Champions League this season. Both defenses are strong, as is the attacker's goal productivity. However, one thing is worth noting, Manchester City is a team that is able to dominate the match and set the tempo of the game through Pep Guardiola's tactics, that is what occupied Ancelotti's thoughts the most about the match.

[bitpotter]

It's not that fans are underestimating Real Madrid, it's that Manchester City have been incredibly strong for the last few seasons, they are going for broke, if you can call it that. Added to that is the fact that these two teams met last season and Real performed poorly, to put it mildly, getting thrashed, so fans remember it all the time

It was an unforgettable match for Real Madrid and this season it was like they were reunited with destiny and had to face Manchester City again. I think this could be an opportunity for revenge and maybe Manchester City won't be able to stop Real Madrid. Sometimes defeat teaches important lessons and Real Madrid realized this when last season they were knocked out by Manchester City. They have now cleaned up and will fight to win back the title they have been eating all the time.

[Asiska02]

There will still be room for revenge because there is no way that Real Madrid would allow Manchester City to win them again. They will like to play with their whole strength to make sure they have a first-leg home win against the Manchester City team that denied them the Champions League trophy last season.

Real Madrid meeting Manchester City next month will make it the 13th time both teams will meet against each other in the Champions League matches. Real Madrid has won 4 times out of the meetings while Manchester City has won 5 couple with 3 draws

I didn’t know that Manchester City have a better record against Real Madrid in the champions league competition so far. Real Madrid removed Manchester City from the competition last two season and Manchester City did the same last season to with their first ever Champions League title. The both teams looks very much strong and saying that Real Madrid will be coming for revenge will be an understatement. This is going to be the most important, difficult and most entertaining match to watch this season, far ahead of the final that is going to be okayed in the end. Manchester City will love to add to their good record but Real Madrid will be looking to take a revenge in this game.

precisely, Real Madrid has a big big experience of the Champions League and also its coach, Carlo Ancellotti has gained a lot of experience in this competition with Milan AC, by combining these two entities a crazy mix comes out, they are very strong, nothing to say about it

That is not a quick ticket for Real Madrid to make it to the final of the competition. All teams have to show their expertise against the other to have a better shot at the next round of the competition. Experience matters though, but to me it doesn’t matter most times as it has to be what you can offer at that moment that will qualify you the next round and be regarded as a better team over your opponent.

[Baki202]

When it comes to Real Madrid titles, there's no beating them as they've had it all in European competitions, especially the UCL.
Last but not least, Pep Guardiola has a lot of experience in the Champions League with Bayern Munich, then Barcelona who has won the trophy now with Manchester City, so combining those experiences will be interesting.
It could be a battle of strategy and tactics now that both coaches have equally great teams, I believe Real Madrid can win and Manchester City can win because they beat them last season.

We all know that Real Madrid is a great team, but when you are there giving other teams credit, remember that other teams are also vying for the same trophy you are pursuing. As a result, the league is becoming more competitive as teams strive to become the best at what they do. Thus, other teams are aiming for the UCL in the same manner as Real Madrid does. Furthermore, it seems that this season is seeing a rise in league competition since Manchester City won the UCL with no fuss, proving that experience isn't always a reliable factor. Furthermore, you ought to be aware that Pep is cooking something because even Bayern Munich isn't playing at its best right now. There aren't many people here with a chance to win that trophy because Barcelona is even worse. Everyone taking part in this time frame needs a lot of things in order to succeed. I'm not afraid whether it's for Manchester City because I always have faith in them.

[uchegod-21]

It's not that fans are underestimating Real Madrid, it's that Manchester City have been incredibly strong for the last few seasons, they are going for broke, if you can call it that. Added to that is the fact that these two teams met last season and Real performed poorly, to put it mildly, getting thrashed, so fans remember it all the time

It was an unforgettable match for Real Madrid and this season it was like they were reunited with destiny and had to face Manchester City again. I think this could be an opportunity for revenge and maybe Manchester City won't be able to stop Real Madrid. Sometimes defeat teaches important lessons and Real Madrid realized this when last season they were knocked out by Manchester City. They have now cleaned up and will fight to win back the title they have been eating all the time.

I believe so much in revenge but most times it doesn't work as planned. I cannot also say that they Real Madrid squad that we have now is better than the one that faced Manchester City last season. I cannot actually explain what actually happened in that match with a Manchester City and Real Madrid. The almighty Real Madrid played like and amateur club, they were not good at any point in time. It was a total mess in their record, but then it is true that they can make it right this time around by staging a revenge. But will it be possible, we are very much aware of that Manchester City squad is fully informed and all the key players are not injured, how possible will Ancelotti and his boys deal with Guardiola and his boys. It is better they play the match and becomes fair than for Manchester City to trash Real Madrid for the second time. We have seen that since Bellingham join Real Madrid, many things changed for good in the club. Will that make the difference?

[Jegileman]

It's not that fans are underestimating Real Madrid, it's that Manchester City have been incredibly strong for the last few seasons, they are going for broke, if you can call it that. Added to that is the fact that these two teams met last season and Real performed poorly, to put it mildly, getting thrashed, so fans remember it all the time

It was an unforgettable match for Real Madrid and this season it was like they were reunited with destiny and had to face Manchester City again. I think this could be an opportunity for revenge and maybe Manchester City won't be able to stop Real Madrid. Sometimes defeat teaches important lessons and Real Madrid realized this when last season they were knocked out by Manchester City. They have now cleaned up and will fight to win back the title they have been eating all the time.

We are going to be having another interesting to watch match between Real Madrid and Manchester City before getting to the finals of this competition just like it happened last season. We are playing another final before the main final because that is what I see this match as. It could be another clash of warriors as it has always been and the winner has the chance of winning the trophy. Real Madrid will come for revenge and Manchester City will be well prepared for another showdown on them in this match. I can’t wait to see this match as I feel it’ll decide the fate and a winner in this tournament.

[Adams0001]

There will still be room for revenge because there is no way that Real Madrid would allow Manchester City to win them again. They will like to play with their whole strength to make sure they have a first-leg home win against the Manchester City team that denied them the Champions League trophy last season.

Real Madrid meeting Manchester City next month will make it the 13th time both teams will meet against each other in the Champions League matches. Real Madrid has won 4 times out of the meetings while Manchester City has won 5 couple with 3 draws

Still memorize last match in Champion League how easily Manchester City defeated Real Madrid on second leg match in semifinal round over 4-0 and The Citizen qualified to final after winning aggregate 5-1. I think Real Madrid fans still memorize with the bad moment eliminating in Champion League semifinal last season, its not drastically change with tactical and players composition for this season. I think Manchester City has large opportunity for defeating Real Madrid again when both team have to face early on quarter final round.

Currently, Madrid have not pressure yet in domestic league after having many points gap with the 2nd teams, difference with Manchester City have focus on domestic league and face many crucial matches before facing Real Madrid in Champion League for the first and second legs match, will Manchester City can focus well in domestic league and champion league?

In my opinion, it is because of Ancelotti that Real Madrid lost their match so easy In the first leg, Real Madrid performed very well, and everyone said Madrid would still defeat Guadiola in the second leg, but unfortunately Ancelotti failed to do so, because Madrid players are just playing defending games, is only Vini Jr. playing well, and Militoa, who just came back from injury, you put him in the fast half and beach Rudiga in the game and is the one that performed very well, because he holds Haaland very well, he doesn't get the advantage and score. So now, Ancelotti will not make another error in the match. Real Madrid needs to defeat Manchester City in the first leg so that they will get the advantage of lead when they go to the Etihad Stadium in the second leg.

This is the match that will be most exciting to watch in the Champions League this season. And Bayern Munich vs Arsenal again; it will be difficult if Bayern Munich do not defeat Arsenal this season. But let's see how Arsenal does this time around, as they've made significant improvements.

[karabiber]

Last call for players like Modric and Kross in this real Madrid, so they are gonna play this two amtches with all they have remaining in his legs. For me Manchester City still favorite against Real MAdrid, but you know Real MAdrid is the king in this competition and they always can win somehow.

I remember the last game in Etihad, a lot of people forgot the shoot of Kross from long distance if that shot went in we can maybe see a diferent story in that game.

City had a comfortable victory over Madrid last year. Real Madrid's game plan was flawed at the time. But this quarterfinal is an early final. The squad reorganization that started a few years ago is about to complete its transformation. The change started with Valverde, Vinicius Jr, Militao and continued this summer with Tchoumaeni, Bellingham and Arda. Now there is the final straw to put the icing on the cake and the squad is complete.

This time Real Madrid is ready and my favorite in this early final is Real Madrid. Real Madrid are playing better than last year and their squad is ready and they will want to take a rematch of last year from M.City. Real Madrid will win the early final.

[temple]

Last call for players like Modric and Kross in this real Madrid, so they are gonna play this two amtches with all they have remaining in his legs. For me Manchester City still favorite against Real MAdrid, but you know Real MAdrid is the king in this competition and they always can win somehow.

I remember the last game in Etihad, a lot of people forgot the shoot of Kross from long distance if that shot went in we can maybe see a diferent story in that game.

City had a comfortable victory over Madrid last year. Real Madrid's game plan was flawed at the time. But this quarterfinal is an early final. The squad reorganization that started a few years ago is about to complete its transformation. The change started with Valverde, Vinicius Jr, Militao and continued this summer with Tchoumaeni, Bellingham and Arda. Now there is the final straw to put the icing on the cake and the squad is complete.

This time Real Madrid is ready and my favorite in this early final is Real Madrid. Real Madrid are playing better than last year and their squad is ready and they will want to take a rematch of last year from M.City. Real Madrid will win the early final.

It is definitely an early final and last season I was absolutely sure that Real Madrid would not have a chance in those two games against Manchester City. They were able to tie the first game, which was not a surprise. Beating Real Madrid away from home is never easy even when they are not in the best shape. But the second game was the game where Manchester City demonstrated their true power and superiority to Real Madrid.

This time I agree that it is different. Real Madrid has made tremendous progress as a team and they have strengthened their squad. Bellingham of course, but several other players have reached higher levels over the last 9 to 10 months. I am a bit disappointed that this game takes place so early. It means that one amazing team will be out of the competition after the quarterfinals.