Real Madrid and Manchester City are set to meet again in the second leg of their thrilling Champions League knockout phase tie. The first leg saw Real Madrid show their resilience, fighting back late to secure a 3-2 advantage, leaving them in a strong position heading into this crucial match at Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid: late heroics set the stage for a historic comeback
Real Madrid, managed by Carlo Ancelotti, demonstrated exceptional play in the first leg, capitalizing on two costly mistakes from Manchester City to flip the game in their favor. With key players like Brahim Diaz and Jude Bellingham stepping up, Real turned the tide after Erling Haaland opened the tally for City. Although Real’s counter-attacking game was impressive, they are still dealing with some defensive injuries, and their recent La Liga form has been inconsistent. However, the pressure of the occasion is likely to motivate their players, especially with a spot in the last 16 on the line.
Manchester City: Guardiola's side eyeing a miraculous comeback
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City suffered a dramatic collapse in the first leg, leaving the manager frustrated. Despite trailing, Guardiola remains optimistic, believing his team has a chance to advance. He rated their likelihood of overcoming Real Madrid at just one percent, but in reality, City’s chances are far better than that. Coming off a resounding 4-0 win against Newcastle in the Premier League, City will look to start fast and put pressure on Real Madrid. With players like Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Omar Marmoush firing on all cylinders, City will be hoping for a momentous turnaround.
How to Watch: Real Madrid vs Manchester City
Kick-off: 3pm ET, Wednesday (February 19)
Venue: Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
TV/Streaming: Paramount+
Real Madrid: key players and injury updates
For Real Madrid, the return of center-backs Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba is a major boost. Their return allows Aurelien Tchouameni to move back into midfield, while Rudiger and Alaba will form the defensive pairing. Lucas Vazquez is also fit again, but Federico Valverde is expected to continue at right back. The attacking quartet of Bellingham, Mbappe, Rodrygo, and Vinicius Junior proved to be a constant threat in the first leg and will be crucial for Real’s hopes of progression.
OUT: Daniel Carvajal (ACL), Eder Militao (ACL)
Manchester City: key players and injury updates
City will be without star midfielder Rodri, though Nico Gonzalez has impressed in his absence. Gonzalez is likely to partner Mateo Kovacic in midfield, with the duo tasked with halting Real’s dangerous counter-attacks. Manuel Akanji’s injury is another blow to City’s defense, and it will be intriguing to see whether Guardiola opts for Rico Lewis or John Stones at right-back to contain Vinicius Junior. Meanwhile, after his hat trick against Newcastle, Omar Marmoush will be pushing for a starting spot, and Jack Grealish, who was pivotal in the first leg before injury, could make his return.
OUT: Rodri (torn ACL), Manuel Akanji (thigh)
QUESTIONABLE: Nathan Ake (illness), Ruben Dias (muscle tightness), Oscar Bobb (fitness), Jack Grealish (groin)
Prediction: Real Madrid vs Manchester City
This match is poised to be a tense, tightly contested encounter. Real Madrid is likely to adopt a more cautious approach, avoiding unnecessary risks, while Manchester City will aim to dominate early. Ultimately, despite City’s strong effort, Real Madrid’s knack for prevailing in high-pressure moments could see them edge out the win, possibly through a penalty shootout.
Prediction: Real Madrid 1-2 Manchester City (Real win on penalty kicks).