Lowly Osasuna frustrated Real Madrid at the weekend as Jude Bellingham was sent off and they were held to a 1-1 draw. That result saw bitter rivals Barcelona leapfrog them back to the top of La Liga. Perhaps they had one eye on this huge match. Two late goals from former City player Brahim Diaz and Bellingham saw Carlo Ancelotti's men end the first leg with a slender lead to take back to Madrid. City will be buoyed by what Osasuna managed to do, but Madrid will surely raise their game for this one.
Pep Guardiola told journalists earlier this week that his team will need a 'perfect game' if they are to overcome the 3-2 deficit from the first leg of this tie. They have improved somewhat of late as they attempt to salvage something from what has been a bitterly disappointing season for the Premier League champions. A 4-0 hammering of Newcastle at the weekend moved them to fourth in the league and showed what Omar Marmoush and Nico Gonzalez can bring to this new-look City side. While Guardiola and his ageing troops may be wounded, they are still a very dangerous animal capable of pulling off a huge win in Spain.
Real Madrid vs Manchester City Team News
Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao remain in the treatment room but Los Blancos fans will be overjoyed to welcome Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba back to the fold and see an end to the defensive injury crisis they have been hampered by in recent weeks. Federico Valverde and Lucas Vazquez are both doubts but should at least make the bench.
Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias were rested at the weekend and both should be fit to play this match for the visitors. City fans were pleased to learn that knocks picked up by Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland over the last week were both minor and the latter will surely start at the Bernabeu. Manuel Akanji, on the other hand, is out for a while. Oscar Bobb and Rodri are unlikely to be seen for the rest of the season.
Real Madrid vs Manchester City Possible Lineups
Carlo Ancelotti knows he cannot afford any half-measures in what could be the biggest game of their season so far. He will surely start both Rudiger and Alaba. This will also allow Aurelien Tchouameni to finally play in his natural position in midfield again.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Valverde, Rudiger, Asencio, Alaba; Tchouameni, Camavinga; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius Junior; Mbappe
Both Haaland and Grealish could get the nod from the start here after the latter impressed before picking up a knock. Guardiola knows he will need players who can bring a spark and provide something special if he is to leave Madrid with a ticket to the next round. Nico Gonzalez will be expected to perform the 'mini-Rodri' role he filled so well last time out.
Manchester City Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Stones, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol; Nico Gonzalez; Gundogan; Marmoush, Foden, Grealish; Haaland
Be sure to head back to Sporticos an hour before kick-off to get updated official lineups and other stats.
Real Madrid vs Manchester City Prediction
Man City have picked up famous Champions League wins over Real Madrid before, and unlike the hosts, they had the perfect preparation for this match at the weekend. Against all odds and with their backs to the wall, City could do something special in the Spanish capital tonight.
Prediction: Real Madrid 2 - 4 Man City (agg. 5 - 6)
Whichever team comes out on top, this is certain to be a thrilling encounter with plenty of goals and lots of narrative. Millions of people around the world will be tuning in for what is undoubtedly the biggest game of the season so far.
Fans in the UK can watch Real Madrid vs Man City on live TV on TNT Sports or via live streaming on the Discovery+ platform.
