The UEFA Champions League semi-finals begin this week with Manchester City facing Real Madrid and Inter Milan playing against AC Milan in a derby match.
Manchester City is attempting to bounce back from last season’s heartbreak at the same stage, having lost to Madrid in the final minute before conceding an extra-time goal.
However, the team now has Erling Haaland in their ranks. In the other match, Inter and Milan face off against each other.
This is the third time that the two sides have met at the semi-final stage, with Milan winning in 2003 and 2005.
Manchester City, despite having been the most consistent team in Europe over the last decade, has never won the Champions League.
However, with 20 games unbeaten and a strong squad bolstered by Haaland’s 51 goals in 46 games, many experts believe that City could win their first-ever European trophy this season.
Real Madrid has a formidable track record in the Champions League, having won five out of the past nine titles.
They also have a wealth of experience against Premier League teams, having won five of their previous six knockout rounds.
On the other hand, Rafael Leao of AC Milan has caught the eye in recent weeks with his exceptional talent, even though he has only scored 13 goals this season. His contract ends next season, and Chelsea is among the clubs interested in signing him.
Meanwhile, Romelu Lukaku, Inter Milan’s star striker, will be under the spotlight as he attempts to guide his side to their first Champions League final since 2010.