Man City vs. Real Madrid could hinge on the fitness of one player. Just ask Vinicius Jr.
MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Pep Guardiola kept Real Madrid guessing ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League quarterfinals second leg.
Despite Manchester City’s fabulously rich array of attacking talent, it is perhaps the physical fitness of Kyle Walker that will be of most interest to Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti — and to Vinicius Júnior.
Walker’s expert handling of Madrid’s winger in last year’s semifinals was a key factor in City’s 4-0 rout in the second leg on its way to a treble of trophies. And his absence was felt last week in a 3-3 draw at the Bernabeu when the Spanish giants mounted repeated attacks down the right of City’s defense.
Walker is back in contention after a hamstring injury, and while Guardiola would not say whether he was ready to start against Madrid, Bernardo Silva outlined his importance to the defending European champion.