5 reasons Manchester City will defeat Real Madrid

5. Aguero vs. Ramos and Pepe

Real Madrid’s long-time central defensive partnership of Sergio Ramos and Pepe have garnered a reputation for being a physical, sometimes bullying pair of centre backs. No matter how strong and tough you are as a striker, these two will match you punch for punch and look to outmuscle you throughout the game. Though their physicality can often turn to recklessness and cynicism, and occasionally results in them being sent off to their team’s detriment, it has been a largely successful strategy.

But Aguero is unlike the majority of strikers that Ramos and Pepe will have faced. He’s too smart to try to match Madrid’s defenders for physicality – and he’d be too small to do so anyway. Aguero’s game is based on movement and agility, combined with lethal finishing, and that’s why this matchup suits him so well. While Ramos and Pepe are trying to push the Argentine around and bully him out of the game, Aguero will be able to play to his own strengths: running in behind, using his ball skills, and beating defenders for pace. Never mind the fact that the Madrid duo will also have a fresh Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling, and David Silva to worry about.

I for one will be surprised if both Ramos and Pepe are still on the pitch at the final whistle – and I truly fear for Real’s chances should either of them receive a red card.