Manchester City's thrilling Champions League campaign continues as the sky Blues face 10 times European Champions, Real Madrid. A very stern test of City's credentials awaits them as Zinedine Zidane's men stand between the Blues and a place at the San Siro - to contest this year's much-coveted final.
The Opposition
La Liga giants Real Madrid earned their spot in the last four by overturning a two-goal deficit from the first leg in the Bernabeú, Cristiano Ronaldo managed to net a well-taken hat-trick to save his side's blushes against a very resolute VfL Wolfsburg side - who no-one expected to prevail in the end. The last time City encountered Real Madrid was back in July during their pre-season tour of Australia and Asia, the Blues succumbed to a 4-1 defeat, though it must be stressed that a largely-youth based side was opted for selection by Manuel Pellegrini with 17-year-old centre-back Cameron Humphreys flourishing in the esteemed company of players such as Luka Modric and Gareth Bale.
As for their most recent European encounter the two sides met in the group stages of the 2012/13 campaign. There were two hotly-contested fixtures between the sides, as the Citizens managed to throw away a 2-1 lead at the Bernabeú, eventually losing the game 3-2, whilst holding Los Blancos to a 1-1 draw at the Ethiad during the return fixture. Given the momentum City have now picked up, many supporters remain quietly confident that they can go all the way and reach this season's final in May - especially given it's a two-legged tie, there's plenty to play for.
The winner will face either Barcelona's conquerors Atletíco Madrid or Bundesliga powerhouses Bayern Munich in the final, with the ties set to be played on the 26 and 27th of April, with the return legs scheduled for the 3rd and 4th of May.