Real Madrid and Manchester City renew their modern Champions League rivalry on Wednesday night when they meet at the Santiago Bernabeu for the first leg of their last-16 tie.
This will be the 16th meeting between the two clubs in the competition and remarkably the first time in Champions League history that the same fixture has taken place in the knockout stages across five consecutive seasons.
Real Madrid are aiming to win a record-extending 16th European title this season, but their path to the knockout rounds proved more complicated than expected.
Los Blancos finished ninth in the League Phase, missing out on automatic qualification and dropping into the play-off round.
A 4-2 defeat to Benfica on the final matchday confirmed their play-off spot, although Alvaro Arbeloa’s side responded by defeating the Portuguese club 3-1 on aggregate to secure their place in the last 16.
Madrid have an outstanding record in Champions League last-16 ties, progressing from 13 of their last 15 at this stage and winning the first leg in 10 of their last 12 knockout ties.
Manchester City secured automatic qualification for the last 16 this season after finishing eighth in the League Phase with 16 points from eight matches.
Pep Guardiola’s side recorded five wins during that stage, including the notable 2-1 triumph at the Bernabeu courtesy of goals from Erling Haaland and Nico O’Reilly.
The City manager will take charge of his 190th Champions League match on Wednesday, drawing level with Sir Alex Ferguson. However, his team’s recent away record in the competition is less convincing, with only two wins from their last eight Champions League away matches.
City have also struggled historically against Spanish sides in two-legged ties, losing seven of their last 10 in UEFA competitions, although they have won both of their away games against Spanish opposition in this season’s tournament.
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Team news for Real Madrid v Manchester City
Real Madrid are expected to be without several key players. Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham are both likely to miss the match through injury, while Rodrygo is sidelined with an ACL.
Eder Militao, Dani Ceballos and Alvaro Carreras are also unavailable, while Eduardo Camavinga and David Alaba will be assessed before kick-off.
Dean Huijsen and Franco Mastantuono are available again after domestic suspensions, although neither player is expected to start.
Manchester City have fewer injury concerns. Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic remain sidelined, but Pep Guardiola is expected to name a strong line-up after making multiple changes in the FA Cup at the weekend.
Erling Haaland, who was rested against Newcastle, should return to lead the attack. The Norwegian has scored 56 goals in 56 Champions League appearances and has an excellent record against Spanish clubs in the competition.
Expected line-ups for Real Madrid v Manchester City
Real Madrid: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Rudiger, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouameni, Camavinga; Guler; G Garcia, Vinicius Jr
Manchester City: Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Guehi, Ait-Nouri; Bernardo, Rodri, O’Reilly; Semenyo, Haaland, Marmoush
Where to watch Real Madrid v Manchester City: TV channel, online stream
The match will be broadcast live in the United Kingdom on TNT Sports.
Subscribers can also watch the game via the Discovery+ streaming platform on mobile devices, tablets and smart TVs.
Kickoff at the Santiago Bernabeu is scheduled for 8:00pm GMT on Wednesday.
The stats for Real Madrid v Manchester City
- Real Madrid have reached the Champions League last 16 for 23 consecutive seasons
- Los Blancos have progressed from 13 of their last 15 last-16 ties
- Manchester City beat Real Madrid 2-1 at the Bernabeu earlier in this season’s competition
- Erling Haaland has scored 56 goals in 56 Champions League appearances
- Pep Guardiola will manage his 190th Champions League match in this fixture
Prediction for Real Madrid v Manchester City
Real Madrid
1
–
2
Manchester City
The absence of both Mbappe and Bellingham would significantly weaken Real Madrid in attack and midfield, while Manchester City arrive in strong form and already know they can win at the Bernabeu this season. The Spanish giants remain dangerous in Europe, but City may have enough quality to take a narrow advantage into the second leg.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: 101greatgoals.com
