A Champions League clash befitting of the final awaits tonight as Manchester City and Real Madrid collide in the first leg of their play-off showdown.
One of these giants is facing elimination before the round of 16 stage with Pep Guardiola’s side desperate to salvage European glory from what has been a fairly rotten campaign back home in England.
Defending champions Real Madrid arrive in Manchester battered and bruised. Carlo Ancelotti is without his entire first-choice defence with players shifted here there and everywhere to try and accommodate the loss of some key personnel at the back.
This is the fourth year in a row City and Real have been paired in this competition – it’s a fixture that doesn’t let us down.
Stay across all the action at the Etihad and from tonight’s other Champions League ties with Metro’s LIVE matchday blog.
