Man City have new solutions to stop the biggest Real Madrid threat

If Manchester City are going to succeed in this tie, they will almost certainly have to keep Vinicius Junior quiet. The Brazilian forward was dangerous last season but has taken his game to a new level since, showing superb quality to go with the impressive character to keep going in the face of regular racist abuse from La Liga crowds.

Fortunately for City, Pep Guardiola feels like his team's biggest improvement this year has been at the back and a look at the candidates to stop Vinicius would support that theory. Amid the crazy end to their semi-final tie last season, it should be remembered that injuries and form left a 35-year-old Fernandinho playing right-back.

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City are in a better space with injuries, meaning that they have Kyle Walker and John Stones available as options where they didn't last year. Add in surprise summer signing Manu Akanji and even with Nathan Ake injured the Blues have never had better choices to try to stop the best attackers in the game.

Erling Haaland goals have slowed down in recent weeks, as ridiculous as that sounds. And for the first time since the beginning of March, the No.9 blanked in a game at the Etihad when he missed several big chances in the win over Leeds at the weekend and also gave up the opportunity to take a penalty.

Guardiola will expect his striker to be on penalty duties should City get one at the Bernabeu, but going off Haaland's performances this season everyone should expect a reaction from him on Tuesday - and probably one that involves him scoring at least one goal.

The Madrid dailies have had an awful lot to say and write about Haaland since he turned down the chance to join Real