Man City vs Real Madrid: Champions League Knockout Play-off Preview & Predictions

Manchester City and Real Madrid Battle for a Place in the Champions League Round of 16

Manchester City and Real Madrid face off once again in a high-stakes Champions League showdown. The two European giants have delivered some unforgettable matches in recent seasons, and this encounter promises to be another thrilling contest. While Madrid’s strong finish to the league phase secured them 11th place, City barely made it to the knockout rounds after a crucial win against Club Brugge.

With both teams struggling with defensive issues and key injuries, this tie is set to be an open and unpredictable battle. Can City make the most of their home advantage in the first leg, or will Madrid’s attacking firepower prove too much to handle?

Man City vs Real Madrid: Match Details

• Location: Manchester, England
• Stadium: Etihad Stadium
• Date: Tuesday, February 11, 2025
• Kick-off Time: 20:00 GMT / 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT
• Referee: Clement Turpin (FRA)
• VAR: Jerome Brisard (FRA)

Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Matches)

• Man City Wins: 1
• Real Madrid Wins: 2
• Draws: 2
• Last Meeting: Man City 1-1 (3-4p) Real Madrid (April 17, 2024) – Champions League

Current Form (All Competitions)

Where to Watch Man City vs Real Madrid

Man City Team News & Predicted Lineup

Manchester City will be without several key players, particularly in midfield and defense:

• Rodri remains sidelined with an ACL injury, but could return later in the season.
• Nico Gonzalez is a doubt after picking up a back injury.
• Nathan Ake and Jeremy Doku are expected to miss out.
• January signing Vitor Reis has not been registered for the Champions League squad.

Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Ederson; Akanji, Stones, Dias, Gvardiol; Bernardo, Kovacic; Foden, De Bruyne, Savinho; Haaland

Real Madrid Team News & Predicted Lineup

Real Madrid’s defensive crisis continues, with multiple key players unavailable:

• Lucas Vazquez is out with a hamstring injury.
• Antonio Rudiger is likely to miss the first leg due to a thigh injury.
• David Alaba, Eder Militao, and Dani Carvajal are also sidelined.
• Federico Valverde could fill in at right-back, allowing Luka Modric to start in midfield.

Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Courtois; Valverde, Tchouameni, Asencio, Mendy; Camavinga, Modric; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius Jr; Mbappe

Man City vs Real Madrid: Score Prediction

Both teams have serious defensive weaknesses, and this match is unlikely to be a low-scoring affair. City’s pressing issues and Madrid’s makeshift defense suggest that this could be an open and chaotic game.

Madrid’s lethal attack, featuring Mbappe, Bellingham, and Vinicius Jr, is likely to exploit City’s defensive frailties. However, Guardiola’s side will also create chances, especially with De Bruyne and Foden pulling the strings.

This match could go either way, but Madrid’s attacking depth gives them a slight edge.

Prediction: Man City 2-3 Real Madrid

Share Your Thoughts!

• Will Real Madrid’s injury-hit defense survive City’s relentless attack?
• Can Pep Guardiola mastermind another famous Champions League victory at the Etihad?
• Who will be the standout player in this high-stakes showdown?

Drop your predictions in the comments below!