Can the holders move on?
It hasn’t been a banner campaign for Madrid in Europe’s most prized competition, failing to finish within the top eight of the expanded table. That resulted in the title-holders having to face Man City once again. These two sides have enjoyed some historic games over the last few years and last Tuesday’s clash at the Etihad was no different.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men played catch up the entire match, with Erling Haaland bagging a first half goal before Kylian Mbappe equalized early in the second period. The Norwegian then put his side ahead 20 minutes later from the spot, but Brahim Diaz came to the rescue for Real with another equalizer thanks to sloppy defending from City. Ederson’s massive mistake then gifted Bellingham an injury time winner at the death.
Over in Spain, Los Blancos are now level on 51 points at the top of the standings with Barcelona, who are making it clear they will be giving their rivals a run for their money in LaLiga. Madrid failed to secure the full points on the weekend, settling for a 1-1 draw with Osasuna. Bellingham was handed a red card in the 39th minute, which didn’t help the visitors by any means. The focus now shifts to Wednesday at the Bernabeu. The hosts have only lost once to City in six games against them at home in the UCL. Real is a -115 favorite at Sports Interaction.
City’s only chance at hardware
This has not been the usual season for Man City, one of the strongest clubs on the globe. Pep Guardiola’s side are already out of the title race in the Premier League, sitting 16 points off the top. The Champions League is their only chance at meaningful hardware this term, but it will be an uphill climb on Wednesday.
The Sky Blues truly threw away a clear-cut opportunity to head into the second leg with an advantage because of poor defending. While injuries have played a part in their struggles, this squad is more or less healthy now. There are no more excuses. Unfortunately, history is against them, too. City has lost three out of four ties when they’ve tasted defeat in the first leg.
That being said, the visitors will have momentum here. They put together a very impressive performance at the weekend, hammering Newcastle 4-0. Their attacking prowess was on full display, with January signing Omar Marmoush bagging a hat trick. While the fight for a top-four spot in England is very much in play for City for next season, convincingly beating Madrid and progressing to the last 16 is the only acceptable result here. However, they will need to bring their absolute best on both ends of the pitch. The Sky Blues are an underdog at soccer betting sportsbooks.
Real Madrid vs Man City injury news
Madrid will get two key defenders back for this affair in Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba, while Federico Valverde is also available to feature. For City, Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake should play after resting on Saturday. Jack Grealish will also be hoping to play after sustaining a minor groin injury in the first leg. Manuel Akanji remains sidelined with an abductor injury.
