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

Real Madrid host Man City . The sides met last season as City progressed 5-1 on aggregate on their way to lifting the trophy. Both of these sides are on runs of just one loss in their last 35 matches in all competitions.

Real Madrid Form

Los Blancos are unbeaten in 13 matches and have only tasted defeat twice all season. They beat Girona 4-0 at home in a clash of title contenders before winning 1-0 at RB Leipzig in the round of 16. Ahead of the second leg, they twice drew in La Liga. At home against the Red Bulls, Real Madrid drew 1-1 in a poor performance.

In the month since that match, they’ve only played three times. A 4-0 home win over Celta Vigo was followed by a 4-2 victory at Osasuna. On the 31st of March, they won 2-0 at home to Athletic Bilbao in their last match. Ancelotti’s side only produced 1.12 xG but defended very well to only allow 0.27 xG.

Real Madrid Team News

Ancelotti remains without two long-term injured players goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and defender David Alaba. Eder Militao has returned after knee surgery, but he is unlikely to be fit enough to start.

Real Madrid will likely use Nacho alongside Antonio Rudiger, but Aurelien Tchouameni is another viable option there. Vinicius Jr. returns from a domestic suspension to start this season.

Real Madrid Motivation

This first leg is huge for Real Madrid. They know the second leg will be very tough and need a first-leg victory here.

The Spanish giants don’t tend to play an open style, often defending deep and playing on the break for large parts of matches.

Man City Form

City are in great form in recent months with 19 wins in 22 matches and a paltry one loss in 35 games. They beat FC Copenhagen 3-1 away and 3-1 at home to progress 6-2 in the round of 16. Before the FIFA break in March, City ground out a 1-1 draw at Liverpool and beat Newcastle 2-0 in the FA Cup.

After the international break, City City only managed one shot on target in a 0-0 home draw vs Arsenal. They bounced back to put up 3.46 Expected Goals in a 4-1 win over an injury-hit Aston Villa. On Saturday, City had an incredible 76% possession in a 4-2 victory at Crystal Palace.

Man City Team News

John Stones started against Crystal Palace and should be available for this one. Kyle Walker has only a 30% chance of being available and Nathan Ake is expected to miss out.

Josko Gvardiol got a knock at Selhurst Park and is another who may not be able to play. Rico Lewis could play once again. Ederson was on the bench last time out and should start here. Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, and Jeremy Doku should all come back into the XI.

Man City Motivation

City are going fully for both the league title and the Champions League. The latter is probably a slightly higher priority as the chance to retain their crown is good.

They will go to Madrid and be happy to leave with a draw, especially with all of their defensive issues.

Key Stats

Real Madrid have lost just 2 matches all season (1 loss in the last 35)

Real Madrid are unbeaten in 13 matches.

Real Madrid have won 13 of their last 15 home matches (2 draws)

Man City have won 19 of their last 22 matches.

City’s Erling Haaland has scored 11 goals in his last 11 matches.

Man City have seen Both Teams to Score Yes in their last 7 away UCL matches.

Verdict

This should be an exciting match. City tends to leak goals on the road in Europe and have some big injury doubts at the back. Los Blancos are fresh and can’t afford not to win this first leg. Both teams should score, and a draw is a very possible outcome.