Man City vs Real Madrid – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Los Blancos took a shock 3-0 first-leg lead a week ago. City have just one win in their last four matches and need a miracle at the Etihad Stadium.

Man City Form

City have had a difficult week, which could end their hopes in two different competitions. They now sit on the verge of an early exit from the Champions League and nine points off Arsenal in the title race. They won 2-1 at home vs Newcastle and won 1-0 at Leeds. A shock 2-2 draw vs Nottingham Forest was a blow.

With a heavily rotated team, they won 3-1 at Newcastle in the FA Cup with 3.41 xG produced. Last week, a curious team selection and a poor first half led to a 3-0 first defeat away to Real Madrid. They dropped further points on Saturday night as they somehow drew 1-1 at West Ham despite a 24-1 shot count.

Man City Team News

Pep Guardiola is still without defender Josko Gvardiol and midfielder Rico Lewis. Mateo Kovacic has finally returned from a long-term injury to boost the midfield.

Ruben Dias is set to return to the XI. Rayan Cherki and Matheus Nunes are expected to start after being benched for the first leg.

Man City Motivation

City have very little chance of progressing from this tie. They will give it a go and devote full attention to the match.

Sunday’s Carabao Cup final won’t prove a distraction. City need an early goal to bring this tie back to life.

Real Madrid Form

Los Blancos are slowly finding some consistency. Their last ten matches have seen eight wins, and they have one foot in the Champions League quarter-finals. In La Liga, they sit four points off Barcelona in the title race. A 1-0 win vs Benfica in Lisbon in the Champions League playoff round was followed by a shock 2-1 loss at Osasuna.

They beat Benfica 2-1 at home in the second leg before a damaging 1-0 home loss to Getafe. A 94th-minute goal rescued a 2-1 win at Celta Vigo, before smashing Man City 3-0 in last week’s first leg. On Saturday, they beat Elche 4-1 in the league.

Real Madrid Team News

Eder Militao is injured in defence and Rodrygo is out with a long-term knee injury. Kylian Mbappe returns to the squad for this match but may not start.

Alvaro Carreras and David Alaba have travelled with the squad, but Ferland Mendy is injured. Jude Bellingham is available again after a hamstring injury. Youngster Thiago Pitarch could drop to the bench with Eduardo Camavinga taking his place.

Real Madrid Motivation

Los Blancos will care about progressing from this tie. A narrow defeat would be acceptable in this one.

Alvaro Arbeloa’s will look to absorb pressure in the first 20 minutes. If they get a goal, it would feel like too much of a mountain for City to climb.

Key Stats

• Man City have won just 1 of their last 4 matches in all competitions
• Man City’s Antoine Semenyo has scored 11 goals in his last 21 appearances
• Real Madrid have won 11 of their last 14 matches
• Madrid have lost just 2 of their last 9 matches vs Man City

Verdict

City are far from their best right now. They may win this second leg by the odd goal, but you can’t see them progressing from the tie.

Best Bet: Man City win

Alternate Bet: Man City win/draw double chance + Both Teams to Score

Goalscorer Tip: Antoine Semenyo to score anytime