Champions League: Rodrygo attains 'King' status at Real Madrid as Manchester City visit

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A much-fancied Manchester City visit Real Madrid again in a year's time at the Santiago Bernabeu as the stage seems all set for the cash-laden English side to exact revenge for the famous defeat that has achieved a cult status in UEFA Champions League history.

Manchester City, like they do every season, used their deep pockets to bring in Europe's hot property Erling Haaland in their never-ending pursuit for a maiden Champions League success. And for a side that City have been with their star-studded names and immaculate football showing under Pep Guardiola, Haaland fit in like a missing piece in the puzzle.

Photo Credit: Rodrygo/Twitter

46 games later, the Dane has scored 51 goals while mocking the so-called tough-to-score-in-England reputation. Having the likes of Kevin de Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan at his disposal, Haaland has been an unstoppable force and is expected to make a lightwork of the Madrid giants. However, the general feeling in the Spanish capital is not of that fear.

"Don't worry, Rodrygo will score!" Madrid fanbase will tell you as they fondly like to recall how the Brazilian turned the unlikely hero and brought the Bernabeu back to life when the odds were stacked against them at this time last year.

Trailing 3-5 on aggregate, Rodrygo stuck his leg out to score a goal with just a minute left on the clock; reigniting crowds' hopes in the famous "Bernabeu magic".

A minute later, the Bernabeu erupted to the loudest as Rodrygo rose the tallest to head Dani Carvajal's cross into the net. Some still marvel at how could he time that header as it was deflected right before but most of them couldn't care as they knew the script was being written elsewhere.

"Watching him score those goals was a dream come true," said Andrew Spence, who is an ardent Real Madrid fan from Newcastle and travels around Europe to watch his favourite side play. "Bernabeu magic is something you have to be there to feel it, it's like everyone plays a role to get that goal, Rodrygo did it for everyone."

A year down the line, Rodrygo has just 16 goals in 46 games to show for the 'Men in White' and may not instill any fear in the opponent's mind. However, City know better than anybody else that the Brazilian is a threat that can't be ignored.

Chelsea learned it the hard way in the Champions League quarters with the 22-year-old finding the net twice to knock the London club out. More recently, Osasuna had their spirited display struck out with the youngster scoring on either side of the halftime to for Copa del Rey or Kings Cup success; Real Madrid's first in nine years.

"Rodrygo and Vinicius's names are taken in the same breath now," said Federico Lopez, a 'hardcore Madridista' from the Spanish capital. "Bernabeu loves their heroes when they score goals and the way he kisses the crest after scoring, it brings him closer to the fans."

'Man City won't risk playing three-at-the-back formation'

Former English coach-turn-football pundit Ashley Westwood further added that while Manchester City appeared flawless and are the favourites, Pep Guardiola won't risk playing three defenders at the back given the presence of the two Brazilian wingers.

"The two goals Rodrgyo scored last time were fantastic. He is a little bit slighter in his build, in comparison to Vinicius Junior," said the Sony Sports Network expert. "They are both very quick, Vinicius probably got a few more tricks and has got this fantastic acceleration.

"But they are both decisive and fantastic 1 vs 1 situations. And they are the reasons why I can't see Manchester City play a back three. Their wingbacks will have too much to do if they play a three at the back and it's 3 vs 3 with Benzema in the middle."

However, with the first leg being played at the Bernabeu, will we see another of those famous comebacks from Real Madrid if it gets down to that? Westwood, who witnessed the second leg at the Bernabeu, certainly feels that Benzema and side are at a disadvantage as he expects 'Cityzens' to exert themselves on the visiting side in the second leg.

"I was there at the Bernabeu during the second leg. City did so well in the first leg and were doing the same in the second leg but for some reason, the crowd kicked into gear and they are incredibly influential, almost the cliched 12th man," said the former Bengaluru FC coach.

"You could almost feel Real Madrid sucking into Manchester City players. It was incredible to see such an atmosphere. I think it will certainly be the opposite with Manchester City getting the second leg at home. That's a huge advantage as we have seen how crowd influences matches."

Saying that there's no stopping Real Madrid fans from believing that Ancelloti and his men can pull the rabbit out of the hat again. After all, they are the 14-time and reigning European champions and have the likes of Rodrygo, who never gives up!

Watch the LIVE coverage of UEFA Champions League 2022/23: Semi Final (leg 1) - Real Madrid vs Man City and Milan vs Inter on Sony Sports Ten 2, Sony Sports Ten 3 (Hindi) & Sony Sports Ten 4 (Tamil & Telugu) channels at 12:30 am IST on 10th & 11th May 2023