The first legs were decisive, but you don’t win the tie in one leg. Having said that, City should be favourites to progress to their first ever Champion’s League final. Meanwhile the other semi-final is still perfectly balanced, though Chelsea have the ever-so-slight away goals advantage. Let’s take a look at both semi-finals.
Manchester City vs PSG, Etihad Stadium, 4th May
Though City are favourites thanks to an impressive second half showing at Parc des Princes, the tie is not over yet. PSG have been absolutely flying on their travels in the Champion’s League. They have already picked up away wins against Man Utd, Barcelona and Bayern Munich, whereas three of Man City’s four defeats in the Premier League have come at home. So don’t rule the Parisians out just yet.
It is perhaps a bit surprising that Pep Guardiola hasn’t made it to the Champion’s League final since winning it back in 2011. He suffered four semi-final exits, one with Barcelona (2012) and then three successive with Bayern. With Man City, he was knocked out in the round of 16 followed by three quarter-final exits.
His opposite number Mauricio Pochettino has reached the finals once, in 2019 with Spurs. Interestingly, his Spurs team knocked out Guardiola’s City in the quarter-finals of that season.
Team News
Only defender Eric Garcia (illness) is unavailable for City. Having rested eight of the 11 players who started the first leg, we can expect the same/similar lineup in the second leg.
PSG have suffered a huge injury blow in Kylian Mbappe (calf). The 22-year old missed the weekend’s win over Lens and has left Pochettino sweating. There will be a late fitness test to see if he can feature.
Prediction: Man City 2-2 PSG
Chelsea vs Real Madrid, Stamford Bridge, 5th May
In the past few seasons, we have had at least one surprise package in the semi-finals. Given Chelsea’s predicament when Thomas Tuchel took over, they fit the bill for the surprise package this time around. But how times have changed now, that a draw at the home of Europe’s most decorated club looks like a missed opportunity. Sure they bagged an away goal, but given their first half dominance, they could have had at least three. Whether this will come back to haunt them remains to be seen.
Real Madrid have had such a poor season by their standards, and yet they could end up winning the double. Injuries, covid etc. has threatened to derail their season, but they have come back strong each time.
The Blues had not so much as reached the semi-final since 2014, but now look good value for their third Champion’s League final. By contrast, if Real emerge victorious, it will be Zidane’s fourth final alone as a manager. These two clubs despite having recent European success, have never crossed paths in the Champion’s League/European Cup.
Team News
Chelsea are still doubtful whether Mateo Kovacic will feature. The former Real Madrid man has missed the last six games with a hamstring injury. Antonio Rudiger picked up an injury in the first leg, but could return with a facial mask.
For Real Madrid, it is a mixed bag. While Raphael Varane (abductor) has been ruled out, Sergio Ramos could be back in contention. Ferland Mendy also missed the first leg but is in contention for the return leg.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Real Madrid