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2006 Ballon d'Or winner Fabio Cannavaro has tipped his former side Real Madrid to come out on top against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League semifinal
Italian legend Fabio Cannavaro has backed his former side Real Madrid to win their UEFA Champions League semifinal against Manchester City to reach a second consecutive final.
Cannavro rooting for Real Madrid against Manchester City
The 2006 Ballon d’Or winner was adamant that despite Manchester City’s obvious quality, Los Blancos were the favourites to reach the final based on their pedigree in the competition and the quality of the current team.
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Cannavaro played for Real Madrid for three seasons between 2006 and 2009, winning two LaLiga titles while with Los Blancos, and has backed his former side to show their superiority when they play against the Premier League leaders on Wednesday.
Cannavaro believes Real Madrid have the edge against Manchester City
Speaking ahead of the second leg of the semifinal, Cannavaro said he enjoyed the first leg at the Bernabeu and that the tie was still in the balance.
“With City it was a great game,” Cannavaro said, before continuing, “well played by both teams and with a very balanced final result that leaves everything open for the Etihad.”
The 136-time Italy international and 2006 World Cup winner also dismissed the notion that Real Madrid would sit back against Real Madrid, instead tipping Los Blancos to be on the front foot and get the better of Manchester City on their own turf.
Cannavaro said, “I don’t see it that way. Knowing Real Madrid, I’m convinced they will go to Manchester to win, always with weapons. For the type of football they play with Ancelotti even away from home, I see Real as favourites for the return leg.
“I hope they can qualify for another Champions League final. They have a coach who quietly always ends up getting somewhere. Carlo is a phenomenon in this sense and, therefore, Real Madrid always end up scaring their rivals in the semi-finals.”
After a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the UCL semifinal at the Bernabeu, Real Madrid and Manchester City will contest a difficult second leg at the Etihad Stadium, with the winner automatically becoming the favourite to lift the trophy.
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