Manchester City vs Real Madrid features a host of storylines but a new rivalry may kick off tonight | OneFootball

Manchester City and Real Madrid meet once again in the UEFA Champions League knockout stages. Tonight’s match at the Etihad is the first leg of the knockout phase play-off round tie. The Etihad will host the first leg of a tie that is filled with storylines. Real Madrid’s snub of the Balloon d’Or ceremony, which saw Rodri crowned the winner, is one. Could that act provide motivation for Pep Guardiola’s side? We’ll find out the answer to that question over the two legs. Another meeting between Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti is another. There are also a host more to watch for.

But there is another storyline that could potentially define the tie. That is the first meeting between Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe in a tie between Manchester City and Real Madrid. Both players have had their moments in the competition previously. For a while now, their careers have seemingly run parallel to each other. But tonight, we will see them opposed to one another on one of European football’s biggest stages.

Both players will need to rely on service from their teammates. That’s a given. Whichever team can dominate the midfield battle will likely have the opportunity to supply their front men. With Real Madrid’s makeshift defence if Haaland gets the service he could have a big night and potentially decide tonight’s game and possibly the tie over two legs. If Real Madrid can overrun City’s midfield then Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo could run riot. Especially Mbappe who has fired against Pep Guardiola’s side in years gone by.

Who fires out of Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe is one of a plethora of storylines to watch for over the two legs between Manchester City and Real Madrid. Although they are different types of players they are both lethal finishers when given the service. You do get the sense that whichever one fires could well decide the tie. That starts tonight and it will be fascinating to watch unfold. From a Manchester City point of view the hope is that Haaland finally breaks his duck against Real Madrid. If he does it could set Pep Guardiola’s side on their way. But Kylian Mbappe will be determined to do the same for Real Madrid. That sets the scene for what lies ahead beginning tonight at the Etihad.