Real Madrid 3-3 Manchester City

Wow, what a fantastic game that was. Proud of the way RM took the game to city, we definitely need to do that again in the 2nd leg, we got really great sucess with our press at times in this first leg, winning the ball in the midfield area in that first half, creating chances, dominating periods of the game that not many teams do against City.

We started to fade, somewhat surprisingly, in the 2nd half considering we had more of a break going into this tie than City did, but City are masters of keeping the ball which can be a killer for teams, something RM usually do very well, hence all the late goals we score.

I thought Rudiger was fantastic. He’s been a gem this season. Thought Kroos was eqully fantastic, bossed the midfield at 34 against 1 of the best midfield teams around. I liked Carvajals, Rodrygo’s and Mendy’s performances too.

A bit disappointed with Lunin’s first goal conceded although it wasn’t all down to him as it was a stupid foul to give away also. Also Vini had a great assist to Rodrygo and Valverde but I was hoping he would be the killer we need for these kind of nights. We no longer have Benzema so Vini jr needs to take his chances. Bellingham was also underwhelming. Its not really a criticism for him as he is still 20 years old and it’s perfectly natural for him to have games in which his performances fluctuate. I actually blame Carlo a bit more for this as I’m not sure why Jude doesn’t come off more in games, I’d certainly like to see Brahim Diaz replace Jude, even just to give Jude some rest, not physically, more mentally, he is still 20, being a starter at a club like RM in your first season, can take its toll.

It’s going to be a really difficult task to win this tie now. I am still hopeful, RM always have a chance in this competition, and if we take our chances clinically in the 2nd leg like we did in the champions league victory 2 years ago we certainly knock City out but we really have to defend amazingly next week and not concede any silly goals, and also hope City don’t score more wonder goals again.

I’d like to see some rotations this weekend. My 11 for the Mallorca game would be this.

Lunin

Vasquez Militao Nacho Garcia

Camavinga Tchouameni Modric

Diaz Joselu Vini Jr

I’d like to start Militao this weekend. I wouldn’t play him for the full 90 mins but he may be needed during the City game especially with Tchouameni suspended so he needs minutes this weekend. I’d like Carvajal, Rudiger, Mendy, Valverde, Kroos, Jude all rested for this weekend.