Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 8/15
Bookmaker: Dachbet
In what has almost become an annual Champions League knockout stage showdown, Real Madrid will welcome Manchester City to the Bernabeu for their first-leg battle on Wednesday night.
Real Madrid
Starting with the hosts, snatching a sensational last-gasp winner away at Celta Vigo over the weekend as they kept their La Liga title dreams alive thanks to a dramatic 2-1 victory, that result also eased some of the mounting pressure on Alvaro Arbeloa’s shoulders. However, still sat four points adrift of arch-rivals Barcelona in the race to recapture their domestic crown, Los Blancos will be more than aware that they face a heavyweight challenge when they return to the Spanish capital on Wednesday night. Last seen at the Bernabeu slumping to an infamous 1-0 loss at the hands of local rivals Getafe on March 2nd, Madrid should also be concerned by their most recent European showdown against Man City. Falling to a 2-1 defeat when they welcomed the Sky Blues to town for a blockbuster group stage battle on December 10th, Arbeloa’s leaky defence will certainly be asked some serious questions on Wednesday.
Real Madrid Team News
In what looks set to be a huge blow for Los Blancos on Wednesday night, French skipper Kylian Mbappe is set to miss out with a recent knee injury. Likewise, all still dealing with respective injury concerns, Real Madrid will be unable to call upon the likes of Jude Bellingham, Eder Militao, Rodrygo and David Alaba.
However, both serving respective domestic suspensions over the weekend, Franco Mastantuono and former Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen will return to Madrid’s squad. French international Eduardo Camavinga could be handed a full recall.
Manchester City
As for the visitors, while Manchester City might have watched their Premier League title dreams take a major blow last week, Pep Guardiola’s side claimed an immediate response on Saturday night. Mounting a stellar comeback at St. James’ Park as they eventually secured a 3-1 victory against Newcastle, the Sky Blues are unbeaten in their previous 11 appearances across all competitions (nine wins, two draws). Landing a dramatic 2-1 win against bitter domestic rivals Liverpool on February 8th, Man City have won their last three straight showdowns away from the Etihad by an aggregate score of 6-3. Likewise, claiming that stunning 2-1 victory when they travelled to the Spanish capital back in December for a group stage battle, the former Barcelona boss will be dreaming of a repeat performance on Wednesday night.
Manchester City Team News
While attacking talisman Erling Haaland might have been handed a full FA Cup rest away at Newcastle on Saturday night, the Norwegian icon will make a full return. However, undergoing surgery over the festive period after sustaining a leg fracture, Croatian international Josko Gvardiol remains on the sidelines.
Enjoying what has become a breakout campaign, academy graduate Nico O’Reilly will be hoping to keep his spot from the start. Completing a permanent switch from Crystal Palace during the January transfer window, England international Marc Guehi will return at the heart of City’s defence.
Real Madrid vs Manchester City Key Factors to Consider
- When Manchester City travelled to the Spanish capital for a group stage battle on December 10th, Guardiola’s side secured a 2-1 victory.
- The Sky Blues have won their last three consecutive showdowns away from the Etihad by an aggregate score of 6-3.
- Each of the last five meetings between Real Madrid and Manchester City have finished with both teams finding the net.
- Los Blancos have recorded just a pair of clean sheets from their previous eight appearances across all competitions.
- Erling Haaland has registered seven goals in his eight Champions League appearances this season.
Conclusion
Landing a stellar 2-1 victory when they travelled to the Bernabeu for a group stage showdown back on December 10th, Manchester City will be dreaming of a repeat performance here. Mounting a comeback away at St. James’ Park on Saturday night as they extended on their FA Cup adventure thanks to a thumping 3-1 win, Guardiola’s men will be confident of testing a leaky Los Blancos defence. In another heavyweight Champions League battle on Wednesday night, chances should come thick and fast.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 8/15
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Tom Dunstan
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