Josko Gvardiol is the curious protagonist of a duel that can decide who comes first in the rankings Manchester City to the round of 16 of the Champions League. The touch of nostalgia and the second reunion with his former teammates mark the visit to the RB Leipzig dentist at the Etihad Stadium.
Gvardiol, who arrived in Manchester in a record transfer last summer 90 million eurosHe already visited his old home in the duel on the second matchday of the Champions League. Now he will welcome the team again with open arms. Leipzig with the possibility of binding the first place of Guardiola’s team to win and finally “banish” his former team to second place. City would need a draw to achieve a perfect group stage and don’t risk anything on the last day.
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LEIPZIG IN FRONT OF ITS “BLACK BEAST”
Guardiola’s men have claimed four wins in a row, while Leipzig, which also has relegation status, only lost the home duel in the Champions League against City. At this meeting Julián Álvarez shone with a goal and an assist in a hard-fought victory That was only decided in the final minutes (1-3). The “Spider” will continue to want to create good sensations.
For his part, Marco Rose’s team is fifth in the Bundesliga and just lost to Wolfsburg in the last round. A new example of the ups and downs that the team constantly suffers from. One of the most outstanding talents in the squad, former Azulgrana Xavi Simons, will have the opportunity to expand and increase his numbers in the Champions League: he has scored 2 goals and 1 assist in the first four days. Dani Olmo, injuredhe won’t be able to help his team achieve the feat.
It is the sixth time that both teams have met in the Champions League. Leipzig, who have only beaten Manchester City once, were beaten twice in their previous visits to the Etihad Stadium. In the round of 16 of the last edition, the English team achieved a historic 7-0 at home thanks to 5 goals from Erling Haaland. In the 2021/22 season they also met in the group stage and conceded a painful 6-3 on English soil. A win would be a true miracle.
Likely alignments
Manchester City:Ederson; Walker, Akanji, Rúben Dias, Aké; Foden, Silva, Rodri, Doku, Julián Álvarez and Erling Haaland.
RB Leipzig: Janis Blaswich; Mohamed Simakan, Lukeba, Raum, Klostermann; Schlager, Xavi Simons, Seiwald, Emil Forsberg; Poulsen and Openda.