Manchester City vs Real Madrid: The UEFA Champions League is back, and it doesn’t get bigger than this. Manchester City and Real Madrid are set to clash in the first leg of the 2024-25 UCL play-offs. Two European powerhouses. One huge game. And everything is on the line.
Neither team has been at their best this season. City barely scraped into the playoffs, finishing 22nd in the league phase after winning just three of their eight matches. A crucial victory over Club Brugge kept their Champions League dreams alive.
Real Madrid, the reigning champions, had a slightly better run, finishing 11th with five wins from eight. But Carlo Ancelotti’s squad knows this won’t be easy. Facing City away from home? A nightmare for any team.
Manchester City vs Real Madrid: UCL Clash Preview And Prediction
Match Details
- Location: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England
- Date: Wednesday, February 12
- Kick-off Time: 01:30 IST | Tuesday, February 11: 20:00 GMT / 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT
- Referee: TBA
- VAR: In use
Recent Form
- Manchester City: L-W-W-L-W
- Real Madrid: W-W-W-W-D
Key Players to Watch
Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
City’s goal machine. With Madrid’s defense struggling with injuries, Haaland has the perfect chance to shine. But history isn’t on his side—Real Madrid has eliminated City from the knockout stages before. Can he change the script this time?
Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)
Madrid’s main man. Fresh off rescuing his team against Atletico and winning LaLiga’s Player of the Month award, Mbappe is in top form. He’s quick, clinical, and the biggest threat to City’s backline.
Interesting Facts
- This will be the 13th time City and Madrid face off in the UCL.
- Real Madrid has knocked English teams out of the Champions League 13 times.
- This fixture is one of only four in European Cup history to be played four seasons in a row.
Injury & Team News
Manchester City:
- Rodri, Jeremy Doku, and Nathan Ake are likely out.
- Oscar Bobb and Ederson could return.
Real Madrid:
- David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao, and Dani Carvajal are out.
- Their defense? Seriously weakened. City’s attack will be licking their lips.
Head-to-Head Record
- Total Matches Played: 14
- Manchester City Wins: 5
- Real Madrid Wins: 4
- Draws: 5
Predicted Lineups
Manchester City (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Ederson
- Defenders: Nunes, Akanji, Stones, Gvardiol
- Midfielders: Silva, De Bruyne
- Attackers: Foden, Marmoush, Grealish
- Striker: Haaland
Real Madrid (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Courtois
- Defenders: Vazquez, Tchouameni, Asensio, Garcia
- Midfielders: Valverde, Modric
- Attackers: Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vini Jr
- Striker: Mbappe
Match Prediction
City will bank on their home advantage. Madrid will rely on their experience. With so much attacking firepower on both sides, expect a goal-fest.
The final prediction is Manchester City 2-3 Real Madrid. Buckle up. This is going to be electric.
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