Manchester City vs Real Madrid – Combined XI | OneFootball

Manchester City and Real Madrid meet again in the Champions League this evening.

After unconvincing league phase campaigns, the previous two winners of the tournament collide in the inaugural play-off round. The stage is set for another epic European encounter between two teams who have been regular foes in recent seasons. This is the fourth consecutive campaign the clubs have met in the Champions League.

Ahead of the clash, we’ve picked our Manchester City and Real Madrid Combined XI from the players available to feature tonight.

Manchester City vs Real Madrid – Combined XI

Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois – Real Madrid

Thibaut Courtois claims the number one shirt in our Combined XI. The big Belgian has been a wall at times for Real Madrid in recent seasons, never more so than a man-of-the-match performance in the 2022 Champions League final. Arguably the world’s best goalkeeper.

Right-back: Federico Valverde – Real Madrid

Options are in short supply at right-back, with Real Madrid enduring an injury crisis defensively and City having allowed Kyle Walker to leave last month. Federico Valverde could deputise at right-back for Real Madrid and, while not his favoured position, has done so excellently previously. The Uruguayan is one of Europe’s most complete players, a Swiss Army Knife of hard work, versatility and technical talent.

Centre-back: John Stones – Manchester City

City’s centre-backs have hardly covered themselves in glory this season, but Real Madrid’s lack of senior stars means a reshuffle is likely from the visitors. John Stones was brilliant in City’s must-win fixture against Club Brugge last time out in this competition and integral to their run to Champions League success in 2023. City need him back at his best, with Stones helping exert a control that has been lacking this season.

Centre-back: Ruben Dias – Manchester City

Ruben Dias returned at the weekend in a big boost to the Blues. City have certainly felt his absences this season, with Dias a defender of determination and steel. A leader in this side, he takes the second centre-back berth ahead of Real Madrid’s emerging Raul Asencio.

Left-back: Josko Gvardiol – Manchester City

A largely positive performer in an otherwise disappointing season. Gvardiol is a menace as an attacking outlet from left-back and has helped himself to five goals this season. In last season’s tie, he blasted in a brilliant effort from distance at the Bernabeu.

Midfield: Eduardo Camavinga – Real Madrid

Manchester City’s ageing midfield has been their Achilles this season. How Pep Guardiola would want a player in Eduardo Camavinga’s mould. The Frenchman is tenacious in his defensive work, covers the ground, and mature in possession. It’s easy to forget that Camavinga, who ranks in the top four percent of midfielders in Europe for tackles per game, is still just 22.

Midfield: Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid

After a slow start to the season, Jude Bellingham has found his form. He has seven goals in his last 12 La Liga appearances and is up to double figures for both goals and assists in all competitions. A marauding midfield force, he will want to stamp his mark on the occasion against Premier League opponents.

Right-wing: Rodrygo – Real Madrid

Pep Guardiola called Rodrygo the danger man in his pre-match press conference, and it’s not only because of the scars of that semi-final tie. The Brazilian has been brilliant since the turn of the new year, with seven goals and three assists in 2025. He’s often overlooked, given the superstar status of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, but he is an elite talent.

Left-wing: Vinicius Junior – Real Madrid

Carlo Ancelotti continues to call Vinicius Junior the world’s finest footballer, and in this competition, he’s been in a league of his own in recent seasons. He’s arguably the most entertaining talent in the game and among the most effective. The Brazilian has 41 goals and assists in his last 41 Champions League appearances.

Forward: Erling Haaland – Manchester City

Erling Haaland will already have the Champions League goal record in his sights. The Norwegian has scored an astonishing 47 goals in 47 previous appearances and is just two from gatecrashing the all-time top 10 scorers. He’s not even 25 until the summer.

Forward: Kylian Mbappe – Real Madrid

It was only a matter of time before Kylian Mbappe caught fire at Real Madrid. After heavy scrutiny early in the season, the marquee man has been in brilliant goalscoring form. He has six goals in his last four La Liga games and is gunning for Robert Lewandowski in the race for the Pichichi Trophy. It’s in Europe where he will want to impress, however, as he targets an elusive European title.

Read – Five moments that have defined Manchester City and Real Madrid’s rivalry

See more – Things to look out for in Tuesday’s Champions League action

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