Real Madrid host Manchester City at the Bernabeu Stadium in their Champions League round of 16 first-leg tie on Wednesday.
Madrid defeated Benfica 3-1 on aggregate in the knockout round play-offs, while City sealed automatic progression to the round of 16.
Match preview
This is the second meeting between the two sides in the competition this term. City triumphed 2-1 when they met in the league phase.
The two sides have met 17 times, with both teams winning six matches each and five ending in draws.
Madrid are riding high on confidence after sealing a last-gasp 2-1 victory at Celta Vigo last Friday to keep pace with La Liga leaders Barcelona.
The Los Blancos’ inconsistency cost them automatic qualification to the round of 16, finishing just one point behind the top eight.
Madrid’s only home loss in the competition this season came against City. They must be well organised out of possession to prevent suffering the same fate and be clinical at the other end.
City also head into the fixture on a winning note after coming from behind to claim a 3-1 victory at Newcastle United in the FA Cup fifth round.
The visitors picked up 16 points from eight league phase games, seven of which came on the road.
Team news
Madrid will be without Jude Bellingham, Dani Ceballos, Eder Militao, Alvaro Carreras, Rodrygo and David Alaba. Kylian Mbappe is doubtful.
City’s Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol will sit this one out due to injuries.
Predicted line-ups
Real Madrid (4-3-1-2): Thibaut Courtois, Ferland Mendy, Raul Ascensio, Antonio Rudiger, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde, Arder Guler, Vinicius Junior, Brahim Diaz.
Man City (4-2-3-1): Gianluigi Donnarumma, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Marc Guehi, Ruben Dias, Matheus Nunes, Nico O’Reilly, Rodri, Antoine Semenyo, Bernardo Silva, Rayan Cherki, Erling Braut Haaland.
Prediction
We expect Man City to triumph 3-1.
Stats from whoscored.com & 11v11.com
Recent Posts
- Gary Neville says two Manchester United players should not start together after Tottenham draw
- Carrick walking a tightrope as Man Utd crisis deepens after Spurs draw, he could be sacked before December
- Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr could miss El Clasico clash with Barcelona after a mindless red card for hair-pulling
- Former Liverpool defender says Rio Ferdinand and Piers Morgan are ‘embarrassing themselves’ by defending Cristiano Ronaldo
- Cristiano Ronaldo needs another 20 goals to reach 1,000 in his career
- Chelsea handed major Moises Caicedo injury boost ahead of Bournemouth clash
- Former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega declares interest in challenging Infantino for FIFA presidency
- Manchester City chiefs confident of winning appeal, claim ‘sporting justice’ is on their side
- Iraola targets unique milestone as Liverpool host troubled Man City
- Premier League 2026/27 Matchday 6 predictions: Manchester City face tough Liverpool test, Arsenal bid to return to winning ways
