Real Madrid vs Man City: Match Preview, Predictions & Lineups

Real Madrid Holds Slim Advantage Against Manchester City in UCL Clash

• Aggregate Score: Real Madrid leads 3-2 after the first leg
• Man City’s Challenge: First win at the Bernabéu since 2020 is needed
• Kick-off Time: February 19, 20:00 GMT

Can Man City Overcome Madrid’s UCL Magic?

The UEFA Champions League returns with a high-stakes battle as Real Madrid defends a 3-2 lead against Manchester City in the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu. Pep Guardiola’s side will be eager to overturn the deficit, but history suggests an uphill battle for the reigning English champions.

City had control in the first leg, leading 2-1 before a dramatic late collapse handed Madrid the edge. Despite that setback, the Cityzens head into this match fresh from a dominant 4-0 victory over Newcastle, where Omar Marmoush stole the show with a hat-trick.

On the other hand, Carlo Ancelotti’s men once again showcased their knack for late-game drama in Europe but failed to carry that momentum into La Liga, drawing 1-1 against Osasuna in a frustrating domestic outing. However, they remain unbeaten in their last five UCL home games against English opponents.

Match Details

• 📍 Venue: Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid
• 📅 Date: Wednesday, February 19
• ⏰ Kick-off Time: 20:00 GMT / 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT
• 📢 Referee: Istvan Kovacs (ROU)
• 📺 How to Watch (UK & US):
  • UK: TNT Sports 1, Discovery+
  • US: Paramount+, fuboTV, TUDN USA

Head-to-Head Record (Last 5 Matches)

• Real Madrid Wins: 2
• Man City Wins: 1
• Draws: 2
• Last Meeting: Man City 2-3 Real Madrid (UCL, 11 February 2025)

Current Form (All Competitions)

Team News & Expected Lineups

Real Madrid Team News

Antonio Rudiger returns from injury, bolstering Madrid’s defense. Lucas Vazquez is back in training but won’t start. David Alaba remains sidelined, while Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal are long-term absentees. Jude Bellingham’s domestic suspension does not affect his UCL availability.

Expected Real Madrid Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Courtois; Valverde, Tchouameni, Rudiger, Mendy; Camavinga, Ceballos; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius Jr; Mbappe.

Man City Team News

Manuel Akanji is ruled out after suffering an injury in the first leg. Jack Grealish, Nathan Ake, and Ruben Dias have returned to training and are likely to be available. Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva were rested at the weekend and should return to the lineup. Erling Haaland is expected to start despite a minor knee issue.

Expected Man City Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Ederson; Lewis, Stones, Dias, Gvardiol; Gonzalez, Bernardo; Savinho, De Bruyne, Marmoush; Haaland.

Prediction: Who Will Advance?

Real Madrid’s ability to capitalize on chaotic moments gives them a significant edge, especially at home. Manchester City has struggled in recent visits to the Bernabéu, and their defensive vulnerabilities were exposed in the first leg.

A fast-paced, high-scoring affair is expected, but Madrid’s attacking quality could prove decisive.

🔮 Prediction: Real Madrid 4-2 Man City

What’s Your Prediction?

Will Madrid extend their UCL dominance, or can City defy the odds and stage a historic comeback? Drop your score predictions in the comments!