Four teams remain in the 2022-23 Champions League.
On one side, we have expectant juggernauts Real Madrid and Manchester City, a new rivalry between two clubs that will see anything other than winning the competition as a failure.
On the other side, Milan and Inter, old foes from the same city. A couple of months ago, both will have just been happy to still be in the running. Now they're competing to shock the world.
Four possible finalists. One set of predictions. Let's go…
Real Madrid vs. Manchester City
Setting the Scene
The two remaining favourites for the competition head into their semifinal clash with very different histories.
Real Madrid are, of course, the Champions League's most successful club, with an incredible 14 titles—double that of nearest competitors Milan. City are still yet to break their duck, despite the lofty expectations that have come with the endless financial backing of the last 15 years.
That said, it's Pep Guardiola's side that head into this showdown in the most buoyant mood. City are unbeaten in 20 matches across all competitions and have looked a world away from every team they've faced recently.
They've obliterated Arsenal's huge lead atop the Premier League and are now comfortable in their quest to retain the domestic crown. They've strolled to the FA Cup final. The bankrolling of a superstar squad, manager and facilities has the City project reaching its defining moment: a historic treble that includes their first European triumph.
Madrid got through a difficult Copa del Rey final against Osasuna on Saturday, a victory that arguably raised more doubts over their capability to outlast City over two legs. Osasuna managed 15 shots on goal and were an unfortunate drop of the ball away from avoiding Rodrygo's second strike in Madrid's 2-1 win.
It's a trophy that takes pressure off their poor La Liga season, but in all honesty, Los Blancos need to win the Champions League once more if this is to be deemed a successful year.
Winners find a way–a notion that Madrid sparked up in neon lights last season–but this City beast is the most formidable and in-form side they've faced all season.