Manchester City could equal 103-year-old club record in Real Madrid clash

The reigning kings of Europe will host the 14-time winners of the competition in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final, with the tie finely poised after an instant classic between the two sides at the Bernabeu last Tuesday.

Bernardo Silva gave Man City a second-minute lead with a smartly-taken free kick in the Spanish capital, only for Madrid to turn the game on its head before the quarter-of-an-hour mark with two quickfire goals of their own.

Pep Guardiola's men scored twice in the space of five minutes in the second half — both stunning strikes from Phil Foden and Josko Gvardiol respectively — to regain the lead, before Federico Valverde threw his own contender for goal of the game into the mix 11 minutes from time.

The topsy-turvy affair eventually ended 3-3, giving Man City the slight edge at the halfway stage as they boast home advantage for the second leg.

While Real Madrid's ability to produce results in Europe can never be underestimated, Carlo Ancelotti's side would need to do something no team has done in a long time if they are to progress into the semi-finals.

The importance of having the home advantage in the second leg of a Champions League tie can sometimes be overstated, but Man City's imperious record in front of their own fans suggests that they should be made firm favourites to finish the job in Manchester on Wednesday.

Saturday's dominant 5-1 victory over Luton Town in the Premier League not only ensured that Guardiola's side ended a day top of the table for the first time since November, it