UEFA Champions League Preview: Real Madrid vs Manchester City
February 19, 2025 | Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid | 20:00 GMT
Real Madrid and Manchester City meet in a high-stakes second-leg clash of the Champions League playoff round, with Madrid holding a narrow 3-2 aggregate lead after a thrilling first leg at the Etihad Stadium. The winner advances to the round of 16, where Atlético Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen await. Both teams, despite underwhelming league-phase finishes (11th and 22nd, respectively), are eager to reignite their European campaigns.
As Real Madrid prepares to host Manchester City in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League playoff at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, both teams are dealing with significant lineup considerations due to injuries and recent performances.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):
- Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
- Defenders: Federico Valverde (RB), Aurélien Tchouaméni (CB), Antonio Rüdiger (CB), Ferland Mendy (LB)
- Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga, Dani Ceballos, Jude Bellingham
- Forwards: Rodrygo, Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior
Real Madrid faces a defensive crisis with injuries sidelining key players such as Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, David Alaba, and Lucas Vázquez. However, Antonio Rüdiger has returned to full training and is expected to start, allowing Aurélien Tchouaméni to partner with him in central defense. Federico Valverde may continue at right-back, a position he has adapted to recently. In midfield, Eduardo Camavinga and Dani Ceballos are likely to support Jude Bellingham, who remains a pivotal figure despite his impending domestic suspension. The attacking trio of Rodrygo, Kylian Mbappé, and Vinícius Júnior is set to lead the frontline.
Manchester City Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):
- Goalkeeper: Ederson
- Defenders: Rico Lewis (RB), Rúben Dias (CB), Nathan Aké (CB), Joško Gvardiol (LB)
- Midfielders: Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne; Savinho, Phil Foden, Omar Marmoush
- Forward: Erling Haaland
Manchester City is also managing injury concerns, with key midfielder Rodri out due to an ACL injury. Rúben Dias and Nathan Aké, who missed the recent Premier League match against Newcastle United due to muscular tightness, are expected to return for this crucial fixture. Rico Lewis may start at right-back, while Joško Gvardiol is likely to occupy the left-back position. In midfield, Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne are set to orchestrate play, with Savinho, Phil Foden, and Omar Marmoush supporting Erling Haaland in attack. Haaland, who was substituted as a precaution in the last match, is anticipated to lead the line.
Both teams are expected to field strong lineups despite their injury challenges, setting the stage for a highly competitive and strategic encounter at the Bernabéu.
Key Storylines
1. Injury Woes Reshape Lineups
- Real Madrid: Defensive crisis continues with Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, and Lucas Vázquez sidelined. Antonio Rüdiger (thigh) and David Alaba (muscle) are doubtful but may return to bolster the backline. Midfielder Aurélien Tchouameni and youngster Raúl Asencio are makeshift center-backs.
- Manchester City: Missing Rodri (ACL), Erling Haaland (knock), and Manuel Akanji (surgery). January signing Nico González, dubbed “Mini Rodri,” has emerged as a key midfield anchor.
2. Form Guide
- Real Madrid: Unbeaten in their last 10 games (7 wins, 2 draws) but drew 1-1 with Osasuna and Atlético Madrid recently. Jude Bellingham’s red card against Osasuna adds pressure, though he’s fit for this clash.
- Manchester City: Mixed results—a 4-0 thrashing of Newcastle (with Omar Marmoush’s hat-trick) contrasts with a 5-1 loss to Arsenal. Their away record at the Bernabéu is poor (1 win in 6 visits).
3. Tactical Battles
- Madrid’s Counter-Attack: Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé (if fit) will exploit City’s high line, as seen in the first leg.
- City’s Midfield Control: Nico González’s duel with Eduardo Camavinga could decide possession. Pep Guardiola may deploy Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne to exploit Madrid’s makeshift defense.
Key Players to Watch
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid): Despite suspension concerns, his box-to-box energy and goal threat (3.1 odds to score) are vital.
- Omar Marmoush (Man City): Hat-trick hero vs. Newcastle; could exploit Madrid’s defensive gaps.
- Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid): Scored in the first leg; thrives in high-pressure matches.
Predictions
- Score Prediction: Real Madrid 2-1 Manchester City (Aggregate: 5-3)
How to Watch
- UK: TNT Sports, Amazon Prime Video
- US: Paramount+
With Madrid’s counter-attacking prowess and City’s desperation to overturn the deficit, expect a chaotic, goal-heavy encounter. Carlo Ancelotti’s side holds the edge, but Guardiola’s tactical adjustments could spring a surprise. The Bernabéu atmosphere will be electric – a true Champions League spectacle!