Manchester City and Real Madrid will square off on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at the iconic Etihad Stadium, kicking off at 5 PM (BRT) for the first leg of the Champions League playoffs. Both teams find themselves at a crossroads this season, having failed to secure direct entries to the knockout stages of the prestigious football tournament.
This clash is no stranger to either club, coming as the latest chapter in their recent rivalry within Europe’s elite competition. The stakes are high, with the two clubs having battled it out multiple times over the past few seasons, most recently during the quarter-finals last year, wherein Madrid came out on top.
The numbers tilt slightly favor Real Madrid historically, with the Spanish giants eliminating Manchester City three times since 2016, but Pep Guardiola’s side managed to turn the tables during the 2022/23 semifinals with a resounding 4-0 victory. Guardiola expressed to the press, "About favoritism of Real Madrid? Say what you want. We know it will be tough. The fact of being favorite or not matters little," highlighting the intense preparations both managers have laid out for the upcoming match.
If we look at the current form of both clubs, both City and Madrid are facing challenges. The Manchester outfit has claimed only three wins out of their first eight rounds of the league stage of the Champions League, prompting fans to hold their breath as they aim for redemption against their Spanish counterparts. One bright spot was their recent comeback against Club Brugge, where they fought back from behind to win 3-1, keeping their hopes alive for progress to the playoff stage.
Real Madrid has had its fair share of ups and downs, too, finishing the first phase of the Champions League more modestly than expected, sitting at the 11th position. They managed five victories but recorded three losses. Carlo Ancelotti's squad also has to navigate adversity, dealing with several key injuries to defensive players. Lucas Vázquez joins the likes of Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, David Alaba, and Antonio Rüdiger on the sidelines for this clash. The only regular defender available is Ferland Mendy, which means Ancelotti will need to shuffle his starting lineup.
Probable lineups for Tuesday's clash position Manchester City with Ederson as goalkeeper, flanked by defenders Akanji, Stones, Ruben Dias, and Gvardiol, with Kovacic and Bernardo Silva holding the midfield together, supported by Foden, De Bruyne, and Savinho behind the main striker, Haaland.
The Real Madrid side will see Thibaut Courtois command the nets, supported by Valverde, Tchouaméni, and Mendy, alongside Camavinga and Ceballos steering the midfield, backed by Bellingham, Rodrygo, Mbappé, and Vini Jr. as their attacking front. Despite injury struggles, Madrid is known for its depth and capability to surprise with talented attackers.
The upcoming match is shaping up to be thrilling, with the clubs known for their attacking prowess and resilience. Given the circumstances surrounding both teams, it could be argued there’s no clear favorite, making this matchup fiercely contested. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see if we will witness Haaland's trademark finishing or if Vinicius Jr. will continue to shine for Madrid.
The rivalry promises heart-pounding action, as there is much at stake with both clubs striving not just for survival but for pride and ambition within the framework of Europe’s elite. Expect to see this game broadcast across various channels like SBT for open TV, with TNT available on closed networks, and streaming live on Max, offering fans multiple ways to stay connected with the action.
Manchester City is coming off some difficult domestic performances, including their last match where they narrowly overcame Leyton Orient 2-1. Their previous performance before this victory was marred by a disappointing 5-1 defeat against Arsenal, raising questions about their consistency. Meanwhile, Madrid rides the wave of recent successes, having only dropped points once against Atlético Madrid amid their campaign for La Liga’s title.
Both teams have no shortage of talent and tactical know-how, and as the clock ticks down to match time, spectators are brimming with anticipation of who will seize the upper hand. This playoff embodies the champions spirit, pitting them against one another, battle-hardened by their recent encounters.
To wrap things up, this clash between Manchester City and Real Madrid not only promises to be exciting but will also play a pivotal role in determining who advances to the next stage of the Champions League, reaffirming their places among Europe’s elite once again.