Ancelotti says nothing has changed at City except their striker

Last year, in the Champions League semifinals, Real Madrid beat Manchester City on a 6-5 aggregate. They went on to win the final against Liverpool and become the champions for the 14th time in their history.

This year, it’s City and Madrid in the semifinals again, with Pep Guardiola looking for revenge and Carlo Ancelotti looking for a 15th victory.

Has Manchester City changed since last year?

Ancelotti noticed a change in Manchester City this year compared to last year, but not in their playing style - just with the addition of one thing, or, person rather.

“I don’t think City or Guardiola have changed their style completely. They just have a striker now who is so strong, the way of attacking changes a bit compared to the past. Just this.”

Of course, Ancelotti is referring to the Norweigan scoring machine, Erling Haaland. It may be the only change, but it’s a significant one. In just 41 games, Haaland has scored a whopping 48 goals for City. He’s the top scorer in the Champions League with 12 - four more than Mo Salah in second place. And he has the most goals of any player in the top five European clubs. Basically, if Haaland is on the field, he’s scoring a goal or two.

Add to that the fact that City will be extra motivated this year - they’ll want not just revenge from last year, but also to finally get the title that has eluded them since 2008. After several seasons of heartbreak, disappointments, and near misses, Guardiola’s team is in better shape to win the Champions League than ever before. They just have to make it past powerhouse Madrid first.

The first leg of the Champions League semifinal between Real Madrid and Manchester City will be on Tuesday, May 9.