In the crucial second leg of their Champions League semi-final matchup against Real Madrid this evening, Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester City are the favourites.
At the Etihad Stadium, City welcomes the 14-time European Cup winners in an effort to earn a spot in the final in Istanbul the following month. After the Nerazzurri defeated AC Milan in the other semifinal, the winners of this evening’s match will face Inter Milan.
After the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu earlier this month, the match is all square and on a razor edge. In the first half of that match, Real Madrid took the lead thanks to Vinicius Jr., but Kevin De Bruyne levelled for Pep Guardiola’s team.
For the second time in their history, City is vying for a spot in the Champions League final as they pursue their first European Cup. They also want to win the FA Cup and the Premier League, which would complete the trifecta.
And Manchester United legend Ferdinand, who took home the Champions League with the Old Trafford club in 2008, is looking forward to a thrilling matchup. He gave an explanation of his preference for Pep Guardiola’s team over Carlo Ancelotti’s group.
I’m anticipating a tactical masterclass, Ferdinand stated on BT Sport. I’m not sure who will present themselves in the best light, but from a tactical standpoint, the last time these two teams engaged in this contest, it was fascinating to observe how the two teams differ in many of the things they do, despite the fact that the final product from both teams is always evident.
“The Real Madrid team has killers, individual killers, and you also have a team that just works so well when playing good, as well as a well-oiled machine in Manchester City that just gets things done. Every game they play is a favourite going in, and I have them as my favourite team at the Etihad.