Manchester City vs Real Madrid – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

Manchester City host Champions League holders Real Madrid in the first leg of their playoff tie tonight.

The team that prevails over two legs will earn a spot in the last 16 of the competition with the losers eliminated.

City prevented an early exit in the league phase by beating Club Brugge in their final fixture.

Pep Guardiola is hopeful new signing Nico Gonzalez will be available. The midfielder was unable to continue against Leyton Orient at the weekend after he received a forceful kick on his debut. Vitor Reis is ineligible due after not being registered for the competition. The availability of Jeremy Doku and Nathan Ake remains in doubt.

Real Madrid missed out on automatic qualification to the last 16 by a single point after they commenced their campaign in poor fashion.

Los Blancos’ defensive injury woes were compounded at the weekend when Lucas Vazquez suffered a hamstring injury. The versatile Spaniard will be out for a few weeks, and he joins an extensive list of defenders that are unable to feature.

Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao are at different stages of recovery from anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba also haven’t travelled with the German nursing a thigh issue. Alaba is also suffering from a muscular injury.

Manchester City vs Real Madrid – Match preview and team news

Form

Manchester City: LWWLW

Manchester City progressed into the fifth round of the FA Cup at the weekend by beating Leyton Orient.

The seven-time winners went behind after a magical shot from 45 yards out from Jamie Donley. The effort struck the crossbar before going in off goalkeeper Stefan Ortega.

However, City were determined not to be the victims of an upset and goals from Abdukodir Khusanov and Kevin De Bruyne turned around the deficit. A home tie against Plymouth Argyle awaits them in the next round.

It was a crucial result for the club after they were thrashed 5-1 by Arsenal the weekend before.

Tonight’s match is arguably their most important of the campaign and could redefine what has so far been a turbulent season in Manchester. City are unbeaten at home in Europe this season with wins against Club Brugge and Sparta Prague while being held by Inter and Feyenoord.

Real Madrid: WWLWD

Carlo Ancelotti’s side remained top of La Liga after a 1-1 draw with local rivals Atletico Madrid last Saturday.

Kylian Mbappe cancelled out Julian Alvarez’s first-half penalty to see the spoils shared at the Bernabeu.

The title race is finely poised, with only two points separating Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona.

However, Los Blancos finished 11th in the Champions League table amid inconsistent results. Surprise defeats to Milan and Lille were their downfall, despite scoring the second most goals with 20.

Since the 1997/98 season, Real Madrid have never failed to reach the last 16 stage of Europe’s elite competition.

Last Meeting: Manchester City 1-1 Real Madrid (3-4 Pens), Champions League, 17th April 2024

Real Madrid held their nerve to beat the then Champions League holders Manchester City in a penalty shootout.

The first leg in the Spanish capital had ended 3-3 after a compelling contest.

In the second leg, Rodrygo turned the tie in the visitors’ favour within a quarter of an hour. Positive play from fellow countryman Vinicius Jr saw the Brazilian drill a cross towards Rodrygo. Initially, the forward was thwarted by Ederson, but the goalkeeper could only parry into the 24-year-old’s path, who made no mistake from close range.

Minutes later, City were denied an equaliser by the crossbar. Bernardo Silva directed a header back into the six-yard box where Erling Haaland was lurking. The Norwegian met it firmly but couldn’t find the necessary accuracy.

Madrid stopper Andriy Lunin was then equal to a Kevin De Bruyne shot from distance before Jack Grealish struck into the side-netting.

Pep Guardiola’s team continued to mount pressure on their opposition after the break. After resolute defending, Los Blancos were eventually undone with a quarter of an hour to go. Antonio Rudiger’s clearance could only reach De Bruyne, who smashed a finish into the roof of the net. The Belgian came closest to finding a winner, but he could only blaze over from inside the box.

With the away goals rule not in place anymore, the tie went to extra time. A decisive goal proved elusive for both sides, and the tie went to penalties.

Silva and Mateo Kovacic’s penalties were saved by Lunin, but Ederson managed to dispatch his spot-kick with ease. Rudiger netted the winning kick to send Carlo Ancelotti’s side through to the semi-finals of the Champions League.

Real Madrid eventually won the competition for the 15th time after knocking out Bayern Munich and beating Borussia Dortmund in the final at Wembley.

Predicted Lineups

Manchester City: Ortega; Akanji, Stones, Dias, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Silva; Foden, De Bruyne, Marmoush; Haaland.

Real Madrid: Courtois; Valverde, Tchouameni, Asencio, Mendy; Camavinga, Ceballos, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius Jr.

Who is the referee?

French referee Clement Turpin will be the match official. Nicolas Danos and Benjamin Pages will assist him, while Mathieu Vernice will be the fourth official. The VAR will be Jerome Brisard, and he will be assisted by Willy Delajod.

What TV channel is Manchester City vs Real Madrid on?

Manchester City vs Real Madrid will be available to watch on Amazon Prime UK.

What time is kick-off?

Kick-off at the Etihad Stadium will be at 20:00 GMT on Tuesday, 11th February 2025.

Manchester City vs Real Madrid Match Odds

Manchester City: 13/10

Draw: 14/5

Real Madrid: 7/4

Read – Five uncapped players Thomas Tuchel will be watching closely

See more – Five of the most improved players in Europe this season

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