5 KEY CLASHES

Nicolas Anelka, who played for both clubs, looks ahead to five key clashes tonight

THIBAUT COURTOIS v ERLING HAALAND

You look at Haaland right now and it looks like an impossible job to stop him. With the creativity City have you know that he will get chances in Madrid. Courtois is one of those goalkeepers who saves his best performances for the biggest occasions. We saw that last season in the Champions League and he is going to need another one of those displays to stop City from scoring.

KARIM BENZEMA v RUBEN DIAS

Karim’s numbers might not be that of Haaland but he is still one of the best strikers in Europe and he knows how to score big goals. Earlier in the season when Dias was out injured City didn’t look as strong. They have a strong squad but couldn’t really replace him. He looks back to his best for the most important run-in they have ever had.

LUKA MODRIC v KEVIN DE BRUYNE

Both teams will be looking at these two players to make something special happen. They are both so intelligent, have such vision, such creativity, and the players playing ahead of them to create such chances for. Whoever has the better game out of these two players for me will be the team who wins the game.

VINICIUS JR v KYLE WALKER

Vinicius has continued to impress me this season along with Rodrygo. He is so quick with the ball at his feet and will cause City problems. Walker has the experience and the pace to be able to deal with him. One thing he (Vinicius) has to watch is that he keeps calm – and that may be something City look to exploit.

TONI KROOS v RODRI

Because of other names in their respective teams, these are maybe players who don’t get the credit they deserve – but they are simply two of the best midfield players in the world. They are the engine for their side, but both of them are more than capable of individual moments of brilliance as well.