Manchester City must overturn a deficit against Real Madrid to keep their UEFA Champions League hopes alive. Here’s our preview and prediction for the crucial second leg.
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Real Madrid vs Man City: Preview
This season, a familiar pattern has emerged: Manchester City surrendering leads and succumbing to dramatic defeats.
Their latest collapse came last week when Real Madrid staged a stunning comeback from 2-1 down in the 80th minute to snatch a 3-2 victory at the Etihad Stadium.
Former City player Brahim Díaz and Jude Bellingham struck late, overturning Erling Haaland’s brace, which had briefly put City ahead following a Kylian Mbappé equalizer.
It was the first time since April 2018 (2-1 vs. Liverpool) that City lost a Champions League match after leading at halftime, ending a 32-game unbeaten streak in such situations (W29 D3).
However, this marked the third time City had lost a Champions League game despite leading twice—all three instances coming against Real Madrid.
To turn things around at the Santiago Bernabéu, City will need a resolute defensive display. Yet, their backline has been vulnerable, conceding 57 goals in 39 matches across all competitions this season—three more than they allowed in 59 games last season. Only in 2016-17 (60) have they conceded more in a single campaign under Pep Guardiola.
City have also struggled to capitalize on early leads in the Champions League this season, failing to win any of their last four matches after scoring first.
Pep Guardiola will be encouraged by Saturday’s emphatic 4-0 victory over Newcastle United in the Premier League—where Omar Marmoush netted his first three goals for the club—but taking on Real Madrid at the Bernabéu presents a far greater challenge.
Historically, Spanish opposition has troubled City in the competition. They have suffered nine defeats in 27 Champions League encounters with LaLiga teams—nearly twice as many as against sides from any other country (five each against French and German teams). In fact, those nine losses account for 28% of their total Champions League defeats (9/32).
Their recent away form in the tournament is also concerning, with three consecutive losses on the road. Only once before have they endured a longer losing streak in the Champions League, when Roberto Mancini’s side lost four straight away games between 2011 and 2012. This is already Guardiola’s worst away run in the competition.
To make matters worse, last week’s defeat does not bode well for City’s chances. It was the fifth time they have lost the first leg of a Champions League knockout tie—and on each of the previous four occasions, they failed to progress.
Madrid will be confident of adding to their goal tally, having found the net in 77 of their last 78 Champions League home matches, scoring a total of 207 goals. The only exception was a 3-0 defeat to CSKA Moscow in December 2018.
Last week’s match-winner, Jude Bellingham, was at the center of controversy over the weekend, receiving a red card in La Liga for remarks made to the referee—an incident that left Madrid furious. Bellingham has scored more Champions League goals against Man City (three) than any other opponent. That tally also matches the record for the most goals an English player has scored against an English club in the competition, alongside Frank Lampard (three vs. Liverpool).
City, however, have their own record-chasing forward in Erling Haaland. The Norwegian has netted 49 goals in 48 Champions League appearances, with his brace in the first leg marking his first goals against Madrid. Another strike here would make him the fastest player to reach 50 goals in the competition, both in terms of appearances and age (24 years, 213 days). However, Haaland’s availability is uncertain after he was substituted against Newcastle with a knee issue.
Real Madrid vs Man City: Head-to-Head
Real Madrid’s victory last week marked the 40th time they have won the first leg of a European knockout tie away from home. They have successfully progressed in 37 of the previous 39 instances, with the only exceptions coming against Odense Boldklub (1994-95 UEFA Cup) and Ajax (2018-19 Champions League).
At home, Madrid have been dominant against City in the Champions League, losing just one of their six encounters (W3 D2). Their only defeat came in the 2019-20 round of 16 when City secured a 2-1 victory.
This match will also be the 10th Champions League meeting between Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola, making them the first managers to face each other 10 times in the competition. Eight of those encounters have been with their current clubs. Ancelotti has the upper hand so far, winning four of the nine clashes (D3 L2), and he remains unbeaten at home against Guardiola in the Champions League (W2 D2).
Last season, Madrid and City played out a thrilling 3-3 draw in Spain and a 1-1 stalemate in England in their quarter-final showdown, with Los Blancos eventually prevailing on penalties at the Etihad.
Real Madrid vs Man City: Team News and Predicted Lineup
Real Madrid – Team News
Real Madrid are aiming to book their place in the Champions League last 16 by knocking out Manchester City this week.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side hold the advantage after a dramatic 3-2 comeback win in the first leg. Despite ongoing injury concerns, Madrid have received a timely boost with the return of David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger to training, both of whom are set to feature in Wednesday’s clash.
Rüdiger, who missed the first leg, is likely to start alongside Raúl Asencio in defense, though Asencio may be required to shift to right-back if Federico Valverde—who picked up a minor issue over the weekend—is unavailable. Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham, despite his LaLiga red card against Osasuna, remains eligible for this crucial fixture.
Ahead of the match, Ancelotti dismissed Pep Guardiola’s claim that City have only a “one per cent” chance of overturning the tie. Responding to the City boss’ remarks, Ancelotti said, “He doesn’t really think so. We don’t think we have a 99% chance. We have a small advantage and we have to take advantage of it.”
The Italian coach emphasized the need for his team to replicate their first-leg performance while being prepared for the challenges ahead. “We have to play the same game as in the first leg because it went well, but we have to take into account the difficulties. We are trying to prepare well,” he added.
Real Madrid – Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)
- Goalkeper – Courtois
- Defenders – Valverde, Tchouameni, Asencio, Mendy
- Midfielders – Ceballos, Camavinga, Bellingham
- Forwards – Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr., Mbappe
Man City – Team News
Erling Haaland has been named in Manchester City’s squad for their Champions League trip to Real Madrid, despite fitness concerns over the weekend.
Pep Guardiola’s side faces an uphill battle after Madrid’s dramatic 3-2 comeback victory in the first leg. However, City will take confidence from their dominant 4-0 win over Newcastle on Saturday, where January signing Omar Marmoush netted a hat-trick.
Guardiola downplayed fears of a serious injury for Haaland, who sparked concern after clutching his knee following an awkward landing before being substituted.
The City boss has confirmed that Haaland, Jack Grealish, Ruben Dias, and Nathan Ake are all in the squad for Wednesday’s crucial clash. Haaland was forced off against Newcastle, while the other three missed the game entirely, but their return provides a significant boost.
“Yes, they have traveled. We will see tomorrow, but it’s good they are here,” Guardiola said.
Kevin De Bruyne is expected to start after being rested at the weekend, but City will be without Manuel Akanji, Rodri, and Oscar Bobb due to injuries.
Man City – Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeper – Ederson
- Defenders – Lewis, Ake, Dias, Gvardiol
- Midfielders – Nico, Gundogan, De Bruyne
- Forwards – Marmoush, Foden, Savinho
Real Madrid vs Man City: Prediction
Expect another intense, high-stakes showdown between the last two Champions League winners on Wednesday, where Manchester City’s need for goals could play into Real Madrid’s hands, leaving them vulnerable at the back.
Sticking with the prediction that was almost spot-on in the first leg before Bellingham’s late heroics, we foresee Ancelotti’s side doing just enough to avoid defeat and secure their place in the last 16—bringing a premature and disappointing end to the Premier League champions’ campaign.
Prediction: Man City 2-2 Real Madrid
When and Where to Watch Real Madrid vs Man City Match? Broadcast and Streaming Details
The UEFA Champions League 2024-25 match between Real Madrid and Man City will take place at Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid, Spain. The match is set for February 20 at 1:30 am IST. It will be broadcast live on the Sony Network and can be streamed online via Sony LIV.
Read More: Manchester City vs Real Madrid Breaks Amazon Prime Video Streaming Record
FAQs
What was the result of the Real Madrid vs Manchester City first-leg match?
Real Madrid secured a dramatic 3-2 comeback win against Manchester City in the first leg at the Etihad Stadium.
Is Erling Haaland fit to play against Real Madrid in the second leg?
Yes, Pep Guardiola confirmed that Erling Haaland is in the squad despite recent fitness concerns and has traveled for the crucial second-leg clash.
Which Manchester City players have returned from injury for the Real Madrid match?
Jack Grealish, Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, and Erling Haaland have all returned to the squad, boosting City’s options for the second leg.
How has Manchester City performed against Spanish teams in the Champions League?
Manchester City have lost nine of their 27 Champions League matches against Spanish opponents, including their recent first-leg defeat to Real Madrid.
What is Real Madrid’s home record in the Champions League?
Real Madrid have failed to score in just one of their last 78 Champions League home games, making the Santiago Bernabéu a formidable venue.
