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Real Madrid vs Manchester City : Five things to look for

By Vijay Vemu

MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 23: Lucas Vazquez of Real Madrid celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's 2nd goal during the La Liga match between Rayo Vallecano and Real Madrid at Estadio de Vallecas on April 23, 2016 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 23: Lucas Vazquez of Real Madrid celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's 2nd goal during the La Liga match between Rayo Vallecano and Real Madrid at Estadio de Vallecas on April 23, 2016 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) /
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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 23: Kelechi Iheanacho of Manchester City organises the wall during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Stoke City at Etihad Stadium on April 23, 2016 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 23: Kelechi Iheanacho of Manchester City organises the wall during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Stoke City at Etihad Stadium on April 23, 2016 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Getty Images) /

1. Can Manchester City remove the underdog tag?

It’s no secret that Real Madrid are the overwhelming favorites in this Champions League tie. They are the better team and it’s a true fact. But that doesn’t mean Manchester City are a bad team either. But they have to win to help shed the stigma of English clubs failing to win the Champions League in recent years.

We saw Arsenal get carved apart by MSN and Barcelona this year and saw City get ousted by the Catalans in recent years. Liverpool was picked apart by Real Madrid in the group stage a few years ago and then the Gunners against Bayern Munich where they were thrashed in the Allianz Arena.

Related Story: Why isn't Real Madrid after Riyad Mahrez?

But with the first leg in the Etihad, City have a chance to get an early lead in the tie. Grab an early goal and feed off the momentum of your home crowd. They have to be wary of the Real Madrid counterattack and if Madrid get that crucial away goal or two, it may be lights out for the Citizens. But in terms of production in Europe, Manchester City are the best team remaining and will be for the next few years unless Leicester City do the impossible and make a deep run in the Champions League next year.

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