Real Madrid and Manchester City meet in the Champions League knockout stage for the third consecutive season, when Los Blancos host Pep Guardiola’s gang at the Bernabeu on Tuesday.
The two teams have split the last two matches and, on both occasions, the winner would lift the trophy. In 2022, Real Madrid overturned a 4-3 deficit in the first leg with a 3-1 home win in the second leg to reach the semi-finals. The following year, Manchester City thrashed Real Madrid 4-0 at home in the second leg to secure a place in the final.
Curiously, although both clubs are going on long unbeaten streaks, neither team comes into this matchup in particularly brilliant form.
Real Madrid have not lost to anyone other than Atlético de Madrid all year, but have drawn four times since the beginning of February, including three of them at home. Man City, meanwhile, are unbeaten in any competition in 2024 but face a deficit in the Premier League title race as Erling Haaland struggles to overcome a poor scoring streak.
Real Madrid vs Manchester City odds
As defenders of the treble, Manchester City are slight favorites heading into the Bernabeu, but in truth, it is difficult to predict, and the betting market reflects this, with both sides having higher odds of emerging victorious.
Goals are also expected, but not too many: Erling Haaland’s poor scoring form plus Real Madrid’s unpredictable attack also have the market a little muted.
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Real Madrid vs Manchester City Prediction
- Lean Money Line: Real Madrid (+175)
- Score prediction: Real Madrid 2-1 Manchester City
To put it plainly, Manchester City are more vulnerable than ever in the European game. While Real Madrid don’t exactly feel like Champions League title contenders either, just based on their recent performances, they’re not as down as City. There is real nervousness among City fans at the thought that they could follow up their famous treble with a trophyless season.
Pep Guardiola has managed to keep the ship afloat well amid injuries and form issues, and Phil Foden has carried this team when necessary, but defeat has seemed to be looming for some time. They certainly won’t be left out of the two-legged showdown, but coming out of the Bernabéu with a result would be impressive.
Data from the Real Madrid-Man City match
- Date: Tuesday, April 9, 2024
- Start time: 9 pm local (3 pm ET / 12 pm PT)
- Location: Santiago Bernabéu (Madrid, Spain)
- Referee: François Letexier (FRA), VAR: Jerome Brisard (FRA)
- Last meeting: Man City 4-0 Real Madrid (May 17, 2023 | Champions League)
