Romelu Lukaku hints at another season with Inter, Rodrygo looks to dent City’s impressive defensive record as AC Milan head into their Deby clash without Rafael Leao. Desh looks at this and more in this week’s UCL 5iver.
We are into that stage of the competition where the boys are separated from the men. Serial Champions League winners, Real Madrid, square off with arguably the best Manchester City team in recent history.
Los Blancos cruised into the semi-final spots, with a commanding 4-0 aggregate victory over fellow English outfit Chelsea FC. Indeed, that came after sending Liverpool packing from the tournament with a resounding 6-2 aggregate scoreline.
Guardiola’s men enter this round of action with an incredible defensive record – 4 goals conceded in 10 competition appearances this season. AC Milan have an equally impressive record – letting in just one goal across their previous 6 tournament appearances.
They clash with their cross-city rivals, Inter Milan, who have enjoyed much success over them. The stats really speak for themselves – the Rossoneri have failed to find the back of the net in 4 of their previous 5 meetings (across all competitions) with the Nerazzurri.
Real’s gamechanger Rodrygo could haunt City
Rodrygo has been a thorn in Pep Guardiola’s side and I think he has a part to play in this one. The Brazilian wideman has been involved in 3 goals across his 3 Champions League appearances against Manchester City and I think he adds to that tally in this bout. Afterall, it was just last season that he was instrumental in swaying With City leading 5-3 on aggregate with 90 minutes on the clock, Rodrygo was instrumental in an unforgettable extra time comeback which saw the Madridistas secure their ticket to the final.
Rodrygo is an elite big game player pic.twitter.com/0BaucHsFHT
— 🫵🏽 (@idoxvi) May 7, 2023
Will this be the season Pep realises his City UCL dream?
Will this be the season Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola silences his critics? The Citizens have barely put a foot wrong all season long and have shown the consistency that money can’t buy. I’m backing Julian Alvarez to get on the score sheet for the current Premier League table toppers. The dangerman has played second fiddle to their resident goal machine, but Guardiola’s bag of tricks has established a reputation on its own. I think the Argentinian forward could be called upon to hand City a first leg advantage.
Pep Guardiola insisted revenge was not his motivation as he prepares Manchester City for their Champions League semi-final rematch with Real Madrid. 💪🏻🔵 pic.twitter.com/FZtqrfjSpR
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 9, 2023
Dimarco keeps finding the target!
After a shaky season, Inter Milan have some incredible form going into the San Siro. Simone Inzaghi’s men have won their previous 5 fixtures (across all competitions) by an aggregate scoreline of 15-1. That spell included a 1 nil victory over Juventus (2-1 on aggregate) to set up an appointment with Fiorentina, with the Coppa Italia at stake. Federico Dimarco netted twice during that five-match spell, and I anticipate the wideman will come up clutch in the Milan Derby.
Federico Dimarco has been DANGEROUS in BIG games this season (all comps) ⚫🔵
— Italian Football TV (@IFTVofficial) May 6, 2023
• vs Roma ⚽⚽
• vs Milan ⚽
• vs Juventus ⚽
• vs Napoli 🅰️
• vs Atalanta 🅰️
• vs Barcelona 🅰️
• vs Benfica 🅰️🅰️
Italy's left flank is in good hands 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/vM2EJ5OwUM
Lukaku showing signs of life ahead of Derby della Madonnina
Romelu Lukaku is set to strengthen his relationship with the Inter Ultras. The imposing forward has publicly stated his affection for the club, and I think he isn’t that far away from penning another chapter in their history books. Despite being their top scorer in the competition, with 3 strikes, Lukaku is one of only two members of Inter’s Champions League squad to have not started a game. Limited to appearances off the bench, it should come as no surprise to hear that all 3 of those goals came after the 80th minute mark.
🇧🇪💥 Romelu Lukaku (29) now has 3 goals + 3 assists in his last 4 games for Inter! Gaining form in a crucial part of the season. pic.twitter.com/WkQCN5ukHM
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) May 6, 2023
AC Milan Dangerman Leao to miss crucial Milan Deby 1st leg
After ending the group stages with back-to-back 4-0 victories, AC Milan have netted just 3 goals across their 4 knockout appearances. Moreover, Stefano Pioli’s men played against 10 men in half of those knockout fixtures and failed to capitalise. With superstar Rafael Leao a doubt for this one (following an injury sustained in the opening stages of their weekend clash with Lazio), I think Alexis Saelemaekers could take the fight to Inter. Across his previous 3 appearances in the Italian topflight, the Belgian has returned 1 goal from his 8 shots, missing 1 big chance during that period.
Rafael Leao has gone off injured for AC Milan, four days before their Champions League semi-final with Inter 😰 pic.twitter.com/EM6JUD5ney
— GOAL News (@GoalNews) May 6, 2023
