The European giants meet for the 13th time in UEFA Champions League history, with Real Madrid holding a 3–2 aggregate advantage after a dramatic first-leg win in Manchester. Goals from Kylian Mbappé (60'), Brahim Díaz (86'), and Jude Bellingham (90+2') overturned Erling Haaland’s brace (19', 80' penalty) for City.
Real Madrid are once again looking to eliminate Man City at the knockout rounds, while City aim to overturn a first-leg home defeat for the first time under Pep Guardiola.
Match Details
- Fixture: Real Madrid vs Man City
- Date: 19 February 2025
- Kick-off: 20:00 CET
- Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid
- First Leg Result: Manchester City 2–3 Real Madrid
Head-to-Head Record (All-Time)
- Total Matches: 12
- Manchester City Wins: 4
- Real Madrid Wins: 5
- Draws: 4
- City Goals: 21
- Madrid Goals: 18
Recent Meetings
- 11 Feb 2025: Man City 2–3 Real Madrid (UCL Knockout Phase 1st Leg)
- 17 Apr 2024: Man City 1–1 Real Madrid (UCL Quarter-Final)
- 9 Apr 2024: Real Madrid 3–3 Man City (UCL Quarter-Final)
- 17 May 2023: Man City 4–0 Real Madrid (UCL Semi-Final)
- 9 May 2023: Real Madrid 1–1 Man City (UCL Semi-Final)
Team Form Guide (Last 5 Matches)
Real Madrid – Recent Matches
- (D) Osasuna 1-1 Real Madrid (15 Feb 2025, La Liga)
- (W) Man City 2–3 Real Madrid (11 Feb 2025, UCL)
- (D) Real Madrid 1–1 Atlético Madrid (8 Feb 2025, La Liga)
- (W) Leganés 2–3 Real Madrid (5 Feb 2025, Copa del Rey)
- (L) Espanyol 1–0 Real Madrid (1 Feb 2025, La Liga)
Form Overview: 2 Wins, 2 Draws, 1 Loss. Real Madrid’s attack has been prolific, scoring 8 goals in their last 5 matches, with Kylian Mbappé (10 goals since December) leading the charge.
Manchester City – Recent Matches
- (W) Man City 4-0 Newcastle (15 Feb 2025, UCL)
- (L) Man City 2–3 Real Madrid (11 Feb 2025, UCL)
- (W) Leyton Orient 1–2 Man City (8 Feb 2025, FA Cup)
- (L) Arsenal 5–1 Man City (2 Feb 2025, Premier League)
- (W) Man City 3–1 Club Brugge (29 Jan 2025, UCL)
Form Overview: 3 Wins, 0 Draws, 2 Losses. City’s defence has been fragile, conceding 10 goals in their last 5 matches, including five against Arsenal and three to Real Madrid.
First-Leg Key Stats and Analysis
(Man City 2–3 Real Madrid, 11 Feb 2025)
Key Moments
- 19' Erling Haaland: Opened scoring with a powerful finish.
- 60' Kylian Mbappé: Equalized with a close-range strike.
- 80' Erling Haaland: Restored City's lead from the penalty spot.
- 86' Brahim Díaz: Capitalized on a rebound to level.
- 90+2' Jude Bellingham: Sealed the win with a stunning volley.
Insight: Real Madrid’s clinical finishing (7 shots on target, 3 goals) and superior fitness (outscored City in the final 10 minutes) were decisive.
Tactical Breakdown
Real Madrid
Strengths:
- Lethal transitions: Scored twice in the last 10 minutes of the first leg from counters.
- Attacking versatility: Mbappé, Rodrygo, and Bellingham create fluid, unpredictable attacks.
- Set-piece efficiency: Scored from a corner (Brahim Díaz) in the first leg.
Weaknesses:
- Possession vulnerability: Only 44% in the first leg, struggling to control tempo.
- Defensive injuries: Missing key defenders (Rüdiger, Alaba, Militão, Carvajal).
Key Players:
- Kylian Mbappé: Scored in the first leg; 24 goals this season.
- Jude Bellingham: Scored the winning goal; leads midfield creativity.
- Brahim Díaz: Impact substitute, with the crucial equaliser.
Predicted Line-up:
- Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
- Defenders: Ferland Mendy, Raul Asencio, Aurelien Tchouaméni, Fede Valverde
- Midfielders: Rodrygo, Eduardo Camavinga, Dani Ceballos, Jude Bellingham
- Forwards: Kylian Mbappé, Vincius Junior
Man City
Strengths:
- High pressing: Forced Madrid to clear under pressure (15 clearances to City’s 10).
- Possession dominance: Controlled the ball (56%) and tempo.
- Attacking firepower: Haaland (2 goals in the first leg, 8 in UCL) leads their attack.
Weaknesses:
- Defensive frailty: Conceded 3 goals from 7 shots on target.
- Injury woes: Akanji and Grealish out (both started first leg)
Key Players:
- Erling Haaland: Scored twice in the first leg, UCL top scorer with 8 goals.
- Kevin De Bruyne: Provided control and leadership, scored the FA Cup winner last week.
- Joško Gvardiol: Defensive anchor; critical in breaking Madrid’s counters.
Predicted Line-up:
- Goalkeeper: Ederson
- Defenders: Rúben Dias, John Stones, Joško Gvardiol, Rico Lewis
- Midfielders: Nico Gonzalez, Omar Marmoush, Bernardo Silva
- Forwards: Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, Savinho
Statistical Insights and Historical Context
- Real Madrid at Home vs English Clubs: W9 D6 L11 (53% win rate)
- Manchester City Away vs Spanish Clubs: W3 D3 L7 (Only 27% win rate)
- Real Madrid have won all 9 UEFA ties after winning the first leg away from home.
- Manchester City have never overturned a first-leg home defeat under Guardiola.
Match Predictions and Betting Insights
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Reasoning
- Real Madrid’s knockout pedigree and home form are formidable.
- Manchester City’s defensive issues and injury concerns could prove costly.
- Expect an open game with goals, given both teams' attacking prowess.
Final Notes
Real Madrid, fueled by their first-leg victory, have a slight edge, but Manchester City’s resilience and firepower ensure a fiercely contested battle. Expect a classic Champions League encounter under the lights at the Bernabéu.
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All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.
