Former Liverpool and Newcastle United head coach, Rafael Benitez has warned Manchester City about the threat posed by three Real Madrid players ahead of both teams’ UEFA Champions League semi-final tie on Tuesday.
Real Madrid will host Manchester City in the Champions League semi-final first-leg tie on Tuesday night at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The last time both teams met was last season when Real Madrid knocked Man City out of the Champions League semi-finals.
The La Liga champions went on to win the Champions League, beating Liverpool in the final.
But Benitez believes Man City should be worried about the likes of Vinicius, Karim Benzema and Thibaut Courtois.
“There is the threat of Vinicius Jr,” Benitez told The Times.
“[He] scored in the first leg of last year’s semi-final at the Etihad Stadium, who is trying to run into the space on the right of City’s backline.
“Also, Karim Benzema has very good movement. He likes to come between the lines which makes it difficult for two centre backs; it can be a massive gamble to leave him against just one.
“It is about risk and reward and trusting players… But let us not forget Thibaut Courtois.
“When Real have been in difficult situations, he has always done very well for them.
“He is a world-class goalkeeper and his battle with Haaland is one to watch.”
The kick-off time for the game is 8 pm.
