Manchester City: Season Overview
Manchester City’s journey to this stage has been fraught with challenges. The reigning Premier League champions narrowly secured their place in the knockout rounds, finishing 22nd in the league phase. A crucial 3-1 victory over Club Brugge on the final matchday ensured their progression. Domestically, City’s form has been inconsistent. A 5-1 defeat to Arsenal in early February highlighted defensive vulnerabilities and a below par 2-1 win against Leyton Orient in the FA Cup wasn’t the performance fans might have hoped for before.
In terms of injuries, new signing Nico González suffered a setback during the FA Cup match, making him doubtful for the upcoming fixture. He joins a list of concerns that includes Nathan Aké, Jérémy Doku and Oscar Bobb.
Real Madrid: Season Overview
Real Madrid’s path to the knockout stage was also less straightforward than in previous campaigns. The defending European champions finished 11th in the league phase, with three defeats in their first five matches. However, a strong finish, including victories over Atalanta, Red Bull Salzburg, and Brest, secured their progression.
Domestically, Los Blancos have been more consistent, maintaining a narrow lead at the top of La Liga. The weekend’s 1-1 draw against city rivals Atlético Madrid saw Kylian Mbappé continue his impressive form, netting the equalizer.
Injuries have hit Real Madrid’s defence hard. Lucas Vázquez’s recent hamstring injury adds to a list that includes Antonio Rüdiger, Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, and David Alaba. This defensive crisis may force manager Carlo Ancelotti to deploy midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni as an emergency centre-back alongside youngster Raúl Asencio.
Key Players to Watch
For Manchester City, Kevin De Bruyne remains pivotal. The Belgian playmaker has been directly involved in eight goals in eight Champions League appearances against Real Madrid, with four goals and four assists. This tally is the joint-most by any player in the competition’s history against Los Blancos.
Erling Haaland, despite his prolific scoring record, has yet to find the net against Real Madrid in four appearances, totalling 359 minutes. He will be eager to break this duck and add to his impressive tally this season.
Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé has been in scintillating form, with four goals in recent matches. His pace and clinical finishing will be a significant threat to City’s defence. Midfielder Jude Bellingham has also been influential, contributing both goals and assists, and will play a crucial role in linking defence and attack.
Prediction
Given Manchester City’s strong home form—they remain unbeaten at the Etihad in 2025—and Real Madrid’s defensive injuries, the hosts might have a slight edge. However, Real Madrid’s experience and attacking prowess cannot be underestimated. A high-scoring game could set up a tantalizing second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Check out all our Boosts for the game below:
Mbappe, Haaland & Vinicius Junior To Have 1 Or More Shots On Target Each – 6/4
Jude Bellingham To Score Anytime – 4/1
Vinicius Jr To Assist A Goal – 4/1
Man City vs Real Madrid : Red Card In Match – 9/2
Kylian Mbappe To Score & Real Madrid To Win – 9/2
Erling Haaland To Score & Jude Bellingham To Be Carded – 11/2