If last night’s Champions League semi-final is anything to go by then we are in for a real treat this evening as Manchester City travel to Spain to take on Real Madrid. Whether it will be an all-Madrid final or if a Premier League team will get back to the zenith of European football is anyone’s guess after the first leg ended in a stalemate. And speaking of guesses, we have attempted to create our perfect XI from the two teams’ current squads. Give yours a go and then let us know if we agree, but we warn you…SPOILER ALERT – the below may contain traces of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Goalkeeper: Joe Hart
We admit that we haven’t always been the biggest fans of Joe Hart, but this season the England No.1 has improved dramatically and has been epic as City’s last line of defence. He often seems to save his best performances for the Champions League as well, as was plain to see in the first leg.
Right-back: Pablo Zabaleta
This was a tight one to call between the City defender and Dani Carvajal, but we’re going with the Argentinean. He hasn’t always been at his best this season but he still offers plenty going forward down City’s right, while staying strong at the back. His defensive skills just gave him the nod here.
Centre-back: Sergio Ramos
Unlucky not to score with a header in the first leg, this crazy Spaniard has to get into this team for his sheer willingness to keep referee’s busy during 90 minutes of action. Never afraid to pick up a yellow card – or red for that matter – Ramos would run through brick walls for his team.
Centre-back: Vincent Kompany
While Manchester City’s centre-backs have come under scrutiny this season, Kompany has once again proven why he is one of the world’s best defenders. His absences through injury have been hard felt by City this season, just ask those who have had to watch Eliaquim Mangala, Martin Demichelis and Nicolas Otamendi try and fill his sizeable boots.
Left-back: Marcelo
Winning points for his haircut alone, Marcelo often operates more of a left-winger than he does a left-back at times. But that is not to say that he isn’t useful at the back, often using his pace to mop up mistakes while offering a great outlet going forward.
Right wing: Kevin De Bruyne
For all of Manchester City’s money and big buys, surely they don’t get more important than the Belgian. While he was out injured City slipped out of the Premier League title race, and since he has come back he hasn’t missed a beat as the English club eye up a first-ever Champions League final appearance.
Centre midfield: Toni Kroos
This German is a metronome in the middle of the park for Real Madrid and often makes them tick. Eyebrows were raised when they let Xabi Alonso leave, but their faith in Kroos has been rewarded time and time again.
Centre midfield: Luka Modric
Manchester City’s Yaya Toure was close to getting in our combined XI, but his sulking means we have gone for Modric instead. And he isn’t exactly a bad choice to have either as he has proven Madrid were right to poach him from Tottenham.
Left wing: Gareth Bale
Are Tottenham in this combined XI too? (banter) Another ex-Spurs man doing wonders in Spain is Bale, although he hasn’t always been able to win over the fans. Strange really, considering that his goals have won Real Madrid six points in their last two league games.
Striker: Cristiano Ronaldo
He sat out the first leg and the game was poorer for it. Whatever you think of half man half Ken doll Ronaldo, you can’t help but admire his talent with a football at his feet. He is the Champions League all-time scorer with 93 goals to his name, and few would bet against him adding to that tally tonight.
Striker: Sergio Aguero
It is amazing that City didn’t offer more of a fight for the Premier League title considering they have Aguero up front. The wily little Argentinean can score all types of goals and has time and time again pulled something out of nothing when City haven’t quite clicked up top.