The keys of Real Madrid to be in the final of the Champions League in Paris

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The 4-3 of the Etihad does not put Madrid before a top that invokes its impossible comebacks, although the level of Manchester City led by

is not just any rival.

The first leg left conclusions that it is necessary to review in the form of keys to be in the final in Paris.

Casemiro and the midfield

The recovery of the Brazilian, absent at the Etihad, is fundamental, along with the recomposition of the midfield.

The alternative used by

in the first leg, with

and

on the right to maintain the 4-3-3 in its offensive version, did not work.

City showed overwhelming superiority in the area, with Rodri very comfortable and numerous passing alternatives.

Yes

is ready for the second leg, as Ancelotti assumed, the Italian will have to decide whether to insist again with Rodrygo on the right or opt for Valverde, as at Stamford Bridge, converted during many phases of the match into a fourth midfielder.

Now Madrid needs to win, a goal, but without greater control against a rival with so much versatility and possession, and who will seek the attack instead of speculation, as Guardiola warned, the goal of qualifying could be complicated.

Improve on defense

The seven goals at the Etihad had a common denominator for both teams: defensive errors.

The two technicians took risks with injured footballers,

and

, and had to rectify.

The lack of greater defensive rigor is something almost endemic in City, despite the efforts and expense in the search for central defenders, but not in Madrid.

The arrival of Alaba and the settlement of

had given the whites solvency this season.

At the Etihad, on the other hand, they broke down.

Although the Austrian was able to act diminished by his contracture, the same cannot be said of Militao or

, slow in anticipation and confused in the face of the numerous offensive paths that City takes.

The left of the 'citizen', where

and

are associated , needs defensive aid.

One man is not enough.

We are talking, in general, of one of the most difficult teams to defend, with all its pieces in motion, despite the fact that in the first leg

offered a fixed reference of nine.

It is not always like this.

Guardiola has also opted for

as a false nine in that demarcation.

was returning after an injury and his offensive contribution was good, especially the center of Madrid's first goal, but he also lacked the necessary forcefulness.

The first goal and the Guardiola effect

Scoring first at the Bernabéu is no guarantee of anything.

Ask

or

.

However, if it is not Madrid who does it, it will be forced prematurely into the story of the epic and an emotional effort that has already been made too many times this season.

The experience of both teams is incomparable, so the first goal can have a much greater effect if it is City that suffers it.

As the Catalan coach has said, his players have not found themselves in the situation that the madridistas have found themselves in so many times.

Guardiola has done it several times, and at the Bernabéu where his record is better than the one he has globally in clashes with Madrid, with 12 wins in 20 duels.

In the white stadium it is six wins in nine games and only one defeat, with Bayern (1-0).

Most of the time he has done it with initiative and a very high pace of play.

The return will be the same.

Rotation or celebration

Four days before the second leg of the semifinals, Madrid hosts Espanyol at the Bernabéu, in a match in which a draw will make them League champions.

The intention of the squad is to celebrate it, nothing that should go to the detriment of their concentration for the Champions League, although other voices would recommend postponing it.

Before, Ancelotti will have to decide if he makes rotations to reserve the most important footballers.

The virtual conquest of the title recommends it, but the Italian has not generally been in favor of massive changes.

For players like Casemiro, it is as good to have minutes to get back in shape as it is risky.

is the footballer-franchise, surpassing forty goals this season.

A mishap for Mr. Champions would be tragic for Madrid.

There is 'Benzema dependency'.

The liturgy of the Bernabéu

No stadium has the legend of the Bernabéu in the Champions League, for its owners and for its guests.

The week will inflame an environment that is key at times when Madrid needs it.

The liturgy will begin with the reception of the teams.

The Bernabéu has something to say, on the way to Paris.

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