Manchester City and Real Madrid are set to clash this Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at 17:00 (Brasília time) at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, as part of the UEFA Champions League playoffs. This high-stakes match will be broadcast live on open TV via SBT, as well as on TNT and the streaming service Max.
Both clubs entered this season's Champions League with high expectations. Manchester City, under the management of Pep Guardiola, was aiming to maintain their dominance but found themselves struggling significantly. After failing to secure direct qualification to the knockout stages, the Citizens finished the group phase in 22nd place with just 11 points, clinching their playoff spot only on the final match day.
The scenario was slightly different for Real Madrid, the most successful team in the tournament's history with 15 titles. Managed by Carlo Ancelotti, they concluded the first phase at 11th place, amassing 15 points. While they had their own challenges, coming off mixed results, they nevertheless arrived at this anticipated matchup on the back of three consecutive victories.
This weekend, Manchester City secured a narrow 2-1 victory against Leyton Orient, refocusing their efforts on the Champions League after struggling domestically. Meanwhile, Real Madrid managed to battle Atletico Madrid to a 1-1 draw, hoping their experience would aid them against the English giants.
For this important contest, both teams are expected to field their strongest lineups. Manchester City's probable team includes Ortega; Lewis, Stones, Akanji, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Gundogan; Bernardo Silva, Foden, and Savinho; with prolific striker Erling Haaland leading the attack. Guardiola's squad will be under pressure to perform, especially at home.
Real Madrid's lineup is equally formidable, featuring Courtois; Vázquez, Tchouaméni, Ascencio, Mendy; Valverde, Modric, Bellingham; alongside forwards Rodrygo, Vini Jr., and the star player Kylian Mbappé. Ancelotti will look to employ their tactical versatility to exploit any weaknesses from the City defense.
This matchup marks yet another chapter in the storied rivalry between these footballing powerhouses, having faced off multiple times over the years, with the most recent encounters also featuring stunning moments and high stakes. Historically, the winner of this duel has often gone on to do great things in the tournament—highlighting the importance of this clash.
Fans around the world are eagerly anticipating the kickoff, with many choosing to tune in via various platforms, ensuring they don't miss any of the action. The match promises to be not just about skill but tactical prowess, and the outcome will significantly impact each team's campaign.
The return leg of this playoff series will take place the following week at the Santiago Bernabéu, setting the stage for what could easily become one of the highlights of this Champions League season.
With so much at stake, this contest will serve as both a test of resolve and as a defining moment for both clubs. The future remains bright and uncertain for Manchester City and Real Madrid, as they battle it out for supremacy within Europe's elite competition.