Real Madrid (A) - Tues 9th April, 20:00 | CL | Pre-Match Thread

[Roachy]

I'd forgotten that thug Rudiger still plays for them.

He's a detestable individual.

 

[Blu3m00n91]

Does anyone else feel more relaxed/excited towards the champions league now? Like I’m genuinely looking forward too tonight. After winning it last season and what came with it my opinion towards the CL has changed. I just get nervous about the league.

 

[mancityscot]

He's a detestable individual.

worst of the worst, badly in need of a two footer to the knee

 

[69FACUPfinal]

Haaland needs to make the ball stick when it's played to him and be aggressive against their centrebacks. Set the tone early.

Agree. I've yet to see that he needs to step up in big games.

 

[69FACUPfinal]

Think on X reports they have been allowed to close the roof. Imagine if the Etihad had a roof and we tried the same. New CAS charges would occur!
UefA imo as blatant as you like for their anointed favourites.....

 

[Phil1]

Agree. I've yet to see that he needs to step up in big games.

You love a lazy cliche when I comes to Haaland don’t you.

 

[Andouble]

Does anyone else feel more relaxed/excited towards the champions league now? Like I’m genuinely looking forward too tonight. After winning it last season and what came with it my opinion towards the CL has changed. I just get nervous about the league.

100%. All the pressure is off.

 

[youngbob]

Agree. I've yet to see that he needs to step up in big games.

Yeah, never steps up in big games, does he?

Just the 2 goals against Arsenal last season, the 2 goals vs Bayern Munich in the Champions League QF and the 5 goals against Leipzig, the 6 goals against United, the 2 goals against Liverpool? He was literally a Courtois fingernail away from netting in the Champions League SF as well.

Stupid stupid stupid opinion.

 

[Kinkys Left Foot]

I'd love to see Haaland absolutely cart Rudiger early doors. If he doesn't I will guarentee you he will do it to Haaland first opportunity. He's a thug who lives off the intimidation of over physicality and quite frankly we owe him one or at least Kev does.

Should be an open game. City aren't scared of playing at the Bernebau, roof open or closed, that's just all bluster. We can do a job on these and I expect us to. Obviously RB for us is key, but we need Phil or whoever plays out there offensively to work back and help whoever it is with Vinicious. We must not allow him free on transition.

Jack up against Carvahal was interesting last time too. Jack had him on toast at the end of last years game here and most of the game at home if I remember correctly. He got away with a few naughty challenges on him as well.

I'd take a draw obviously but have a sneaky feeling we might get more than that. They do not like playing us.

 

[Didsbury Dave]

Does anyone else feel more relaxed/excited towards the champions league now? Like I’m genuinely looking forward too tonight. After winning it last season and what came with it my opinion towards the CL has changed. I just get nervous about the league.

No. I want this one more than the league. Our injuries are making me nervous.

 

[foggy1974]

On 2 yellows and potentially missing 2nd leg
after a 3rd booking:

Dias

Camavinga, Tchouameni, Bellingham, Vinicius jr.

After the end of the 2nd leg all yellows will be wiped out (NOT fresh suspensions though!).

Getting Bellingham & Vini suspended for the 2nd leg would be massive

 

[foggy1974]

That's better news about Gvardiol

 

[Indaparkside]

I feel very confident especially first leg away, we will put anyone to sword at home no typical city anymore we are the real deal and real would have been crying when they drew us that’s the stature of the club now

 

[Blue Potato]

Seems like the roof will indeed be closed, shouldn’t make much of a difference but bizarre UEFA allowed it

 

[pride in battle]

Hmm, was is the Arsenal game we did this last season?

I remember it being alright on the night but didn't Pep say it didn't really work afterwards? Also feel like it's a little harsh on Lewis given he's been great the last two games.

Having said all that, Bernardo could probably play in goal in matches like these and have a blinder so wouldn't concern me if it is him.

Rico left back I feel is the best option.

 

[kaz7]

Seems like the roof will indeed be closed, shouldn’t make much of a difference but bizarre UEFA allowed it

Anything to disadvantage us

 

[LangleyBlue1970]

Not sure why they would beee permission to close their roof. It’s theirs. Be it open or closed that is surely their choice?

I can’t see how it matters a jot. If their fans are louder as a result, so will ours.

Roof on a football stadium is just pure ‘look at me’. Cunts.

 

[big gaz]

Think on X reports they have been allowed to close the roof. Imagine if the Etihad had a roof and we tried the same. New CAS charges would occur!
UefA imo as blatant as you like for their anointed favourites.....

FFS in the six nations the away team decide if they want the roof open or not in Cardiff.
In all fairness makes no odds to Wales we're shit.

 

[skillman]

Haha. Roof on for little old City.

Come on blues!!!

 

[alexmcity]

Not sure why they would beee permission to close their roof. It’s theirs. Be it open or closed that is surely their choice?

I can’t see how it matters a jot. If their fans are louder as a result, so will ours.

Roof on a football stadium is just pure ‘look at me’. Cunts.

Well, they rely on the atmosphere to gain advantage. Same as Liverpool. They'll try to copy Liverpool and have periods of dominance. It depends on us whether we will allow it. Our pass completion at Anfield was a bit average. We should do better this time in order to control the game. Kovacic/Grealish instead of Alvarez should help. All of KDB, Foden and Haaland should do better too.