
The graphic on the right shows the same data for Real's successful challenges, with only 20% (13/65) occurring in City's half The graphic on the left shows where City's intensive pressing game won them the ball back against Real Madrid with 36% (28/78) of their successful tackles (green triangles), interceptions (blue) and ball recoveries (yellow) taking place in the Real half. This time it was the pace and energy up front from Gabriel Jesus, Phil Foden and Raheem Sterling that unsettled Real with their relentless pressing and led to both of City's goals that sent them through. We saw that when City saw off Real at Etihad Stadium on Friday, just as we did when they beat the Spanish champions in the first leg at the Bernabeu in February - when Aguero was fit but was left on the bench. I really hope he is ready, and he makes it, because their chances are improved if he can play.īut, even when he is not in the team, they have different options that bring plenty of other qualities to their forward line - and complement the rest of their team too.


Aguero is a world-class striker and none of City's other players are as clinical as he is in front of goal.
