All eyes will be on Manchester City and Real Madrid when they square off in a blockbuster encounter in the Champions League play-offs on Tuesday.
Manchester City’s toiling 2024/25 campaign stretched to the Champions League as they eked out a spot in the play-off stages only on the final matchday of the group stage after securing a thrilling win over Club Brugge.
Similarly, reigning champions Real Madrid looked like a shadow of their former self in the first half of the group stage, but an excellent string of results kept their UCL hopes alive.
City will head into the contest on the back of a 2-1 win against Leyton Orient in the FA Cup 4th Round but their last Premier League fixture against Arsenal ended in a humiliating 5-1 defeat.
On the other hand, Real Madrid’s form has also been slightly concerning in the build-up to Tuesday’s game, failing to win their last two La Liga games, including the 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid on Saturday.
Nevertheless, Los Blancos will look to tap into their UCL pedigree and replicate a similar performance they enjoyed against the Sky Blues last season, where they got the better of Pep Guardiola’s side in the semi-finals.
Manchester City vs Real Madrid – Team News
Both teams will enter the tie with a fair share of injury concerns. Manchester City, who have been plagued with injuries this season, saw their new signing Nico Gonzalez pick up an injury in his debut against Leyton. The severity of the injury is yet to be revealed, but it is safe to assume that his participation against Real Madrid looks slim.
🛬 ¡Ya estamos en Mánchester! pic.twitter.com/rn0Xo226vG
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) February 10, 2025
Meanwhile, Real Madrid will be without Lucas Vazquez, who picked up a new hamstring issue against Atletico Madrid. The Spanish right-back had just returned to action for the derby but had to be withdrawn in the closing stages of the game. It further deepens their defensive crisis, with the likes of Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, Dani Carvajal and David Alaba sidelined with injuries.
Manchester City vs Real Madrid – Probable Line-ups
Manchester City Predicted XI ( 4-2-3-1): Ederson, Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, Josko Gvardiol, Bernardo Silva, Mateo Kovacic, Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, Savinho, Erling Haaland
Real Madrid Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Thibaut Courtois, Raul Asencio, Aurelien Tchouameni, Ferland Mendy, Luka Modric, Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo Goes, Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe
Manchester City vs Real Madrid – Key Battles
Vinicius Jr vs Nunes
Matheus Nunes is expected to have a huge task in his hands to keep Viniciius Jr in check. The Brazilian has been a menace to the defenders due to his blistering pace, dribbling prowess, and striking ability. There are higher chances for Manchester City to get caught off guard in transitions, where Vinicius can be devastating. Nunes had a game to forget as a make-shift right-back against the Gunners, and it remains to be seen whether he can live up to the task.
Haaland vs Asencio
Raul Asencio’s staggering rise as a defensive colossus in recent weeks has turned the heads of many. The Spaniard has now grown into a pivotal member of Madrid’s defence with his impressive performances, but the biggest test of his career awaits against Manchester City. He will be tasked with halting Erling Haaland, who is one of the most lethal strikers in the world.
Prediction: Manchester City 1-3 Real Madrid