Head-to-head history
This is the fourth time in as many seasons that Man City and Real Madrid have met in the Champions League. However, it’s typically in the latter stages of the tournament. Los Blancos won in the quarterfinals last term en route to the title. The season prior, City smashed Real in the semifinals before lifting the grand prize for the first time. Overall, there have been 12 meetings in Europe’s most prized competition, with City winning four, while Madrid has won three. The five others ended level.
Can Man City produce the goods?
It hasn’t been a banner campaign for Man City by any means. They’re out of the title race in the Premier League and scraped into the knockout phase of the UCL by the skin of their teeth, grabbing a victory against Club Brugge on matchday eight. Plus, it won’t be easy to even get into the Round of 16 as they need to beat the holders.
On a more positive note, City’s form has improved in recent weeks. They’ve only tasted defeat twice in their last 11 games across all competitions. Both of those losses were quite deflating, however, blowing a lead against PSG while getting embarrassed by Arsenal.
Most recently, the Sky Blues beat Leyton Orient 2-1 in the FA Cup but essentially zero starters actually played. The one player who must show up and make his presence felt is Erling Haaland. He’s never scored against Madrid and City needs him to be at his best if they’re going to win this tie. The hosts have +110 odds at Sports Interaction sportsbook.
Madrid’s attack is scary
Yes, Madrid also failed to finish in the top eight, but we cannot overlook just how daunting this attack is. Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo are all a force to be reckoned with. City’s backline has been atrocious much in part due to injuries and Los Blancos will be looking to exploit their biggest weakness once again.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men are sitting at the top of LaLiga, just one point above city rivals Atletico who they shared a point with on Saturday. Madrid solidified their spot in the play-offs with a 3-0 win over Brest on January 29, with Rodrygo netting a brace. Bellingham also bagged a goal of his own. Los Blancos finished with a 5-0-3 record in the group stages.
They will like their chances in this tie. Ancelotti’s squad has eliminated a Premier League opponent in the UCL in each of the last four seasons, which included City in 2021-22 and of course, in 2023-24 as well. Madrid is a slim underdog on Tuesday at soccer betting sportsbooks.
Man City vs Real Madrid injury news
City’s injury problems have improved. Rodri and Oscar Bobb are the only absentees, with everyone else expected to be available at the Etihad. As for Madrid, their backline has been hit with injuries. Antonio Rudiger, Lucas Vazquez, Eder Militao, David Alaba, and Dani Carvajal are all sidelined. Federico Valverde will likely shift to right back as a result.
