An all-English Champions League final is on the cards following the semi-final first legs played on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Chelsea earned a 1 – 1 draw away at Real Madrid, setting the tie up nicely for the Stamford Bridge return.
After a hiccup, Manchester City won 2 – 1 away at PSG. It’s tough to see City relinquish their grip in the second leg in Manchester.
After Chelsea knocked City out of the F.A Cup semi final, a Champions League final between the two would be impossible to call.
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It’s only the second time Manchester City have played in the Champions League semi finals. If they go through, it will be their first time in the final.
Given how utterly dominant they are domestically, they are in a peculiar position of psychological uncertainty. Pep Guardiola described the first half against PSG, in which they went down 1 – 0 as ‘shy’.
This shyness was also present in the opening stages against Borussia Dortmund in the previous round. However, City have risen to the challenge. It shouldn’t be forgotten that City have now faced both Erling Braut Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.
In the quarter finals, Haaland couldn’t affect either game, and City kept Mbappe quiet in Paris. To nullify the two next best players in the world is no small feat.
If there is a danger for City it’s that PSG, and Mbappe in particular, have had landmark away performances this year. Mbappe shined away at Barcelona and at Bayern to thrust PSG forward.
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On the other side, Tuchel’s Chelsea are quietly and effectively getting results. Tuchel was in the final only last year with PSG. He’s settled in well at Stamford Bridge and his experience could be invaluable.
They hold the advantage over Madrid, but this is Madrid. They are experienced, assertive, and won’t be afraid to play for the right to contest the final. Chelsea never thought they would be this close to winning it, and Tuchel will be desperate to right the wrongs of last year.
