Real Madrid vs Manchester City: Live Stream, Prediction & Lineups

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Real Madrid are just one step away from securing a place in the Champions League Round of 16 as they prepare to host Manchester City for the decisive second leg of their knockout tie.

These two European giants have been dominant forces in recent years, but this season has been far from smooth for both teams. Normally seen competing deep in the tournament, both sides struggled in the group stage and are now fighting for survival in Europe’s biggest competition.

In the first leg, Los Blancos pulled off a thrilling 3-2 victory at the Etihad—marking their first-ever away win over City. Despite falling behind twice, Carlo Ancelotti’s men showed their resilience and left England with a crucial advantage. However, they know that the job is far from done, as Pep Guardiola’s Cityzens will be coming to Spain with an all-out attacking approach, needing a two-goal win to overturn the deficit.

Real Madrid head into this game after a frustrating draw in La Liga, while City are full of confidence following a dominant 4-0 win over Newcastle United. With both teams eager to progress, this clash at the Santiago Bernabéu promises fireworks.

Team News & Predicted Lineups

Real Madrid

Carlo Ancelotti has received a massive boost ahead of the second leg, as Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba have returned to full training and should be available. However, key defenders Lucas Vázquez, Éder Militão, and Dani Carvajal remain sidelined.

Ancelotti is expected to stick with a 4-2-3-1 formation. Thibaut Courtois will start in goal, while Federico Valverde may continue at right-back. Ferland Mendy should return on the left, with Rüdiger partnering Raúl Asencio in central defense.

In midfield, Aurélien Tchouaméni will likely return to his natural position, joining Eduardo Camavinga as the double pivot. Jude Bellingham, who remains eligible despite his recent domestic red card, will operate as the playmaker. Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo will occupy the wings, while Kylian Mbappé leads the attack.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rüdiger, Mendy; Camavinga, Tchouaméni; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinícius Jr.; Mbappé

Manchester City

Pep Guardiola is expected to welcome back Rúben Dias and Nathan Aké, who were rested against Newcastle. However, Manuel Akanji, Oscar Bobb, and Rodri remain unavailable.

City could deploy a 4-1-4-1 formation, with Ederson in goal. Matheus Nunes and Joško Gvardiol will take up the full-back roles, while Dias and Aké form the heart of the defense.

In midfield, Nico González will sit deep as the holding midfielder, protecting the backline. Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne will play key roles in dictating the tempo and creating chances. On the wings, Savinho and in-form Omar Marmoush will provide attacking width, looking to supply star striker Erling Haaland, who is just one goal away from reaching 50 Champions League goals.

Probable Lineup (4-1-4-1): Ederson; Nunes, Dias, Aké, Gvardiol; González; Savinho, Silva, De Bruyne, Marmoush; Haaland

Key Stats

Real Madrid and Manchester City have faced each other 13 times in the Champions League, with each team winning four times.
Los Blancos’ 3-2 win in the first leg was their first-ever away victory against City in UCL history.
Three of the last five UCL meetings between these two sides have ended in a draw after 90 minutes.
Real Madrid last lost to Manchester City at home during the 2019/20 season.
City have been eliminated by Madrid in two of the last three Champions League seasons.

Player to Watch: Antonio Rüdiger

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Despite a depleted defense, Real Madrid managed a crucial 3-2 victory at the Etihad. Now, with Antonio Rüdiger back in the lineup, Ancelotti’s side will look to keep things solid at the back and maintain their advantage.

The German defender has been a rock at the heart of Madrid’s defense and boasts an impressive record against Erling Haaland. His physicality and ability to read the game will be key in preventing City’s attack from taking control of the game.

Real Madrid vs Manchester City Prediction

This tie is still wide open, and while Manchester City have the quality to mount a comeback, Real Madrid’s home advantage and experience in big European nights could prove decisive. Expect another thrilling encounter, but Los Blancos should edge it and secure their place in the next round.