The first playoff match of the 2024/25 Champions League between Manchester City (England) and Real Madrid (Spain) will take place on February 11 at the Etihad Stadium. Manchester City vs. Real Madrid: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Manchester City
The Mancunians have advanced from the main round of the Champions League to the playoffs for the 12th consecutive time. However, this season, the team secured their progression in the final round of the group stage, where they defeated Club Brugge 3-1 at home. Before this, the Citizens went four matches without a win in the UCL (1 draw and 3 losses). Notably, after eight games, Manchester City accumulated only 11 points (3 wins and 2 draws) and finished 22nd in the overall stage standings.
Forward Oscar Bobb's participation in the game is still in question. Midfielder Rodri Hernandez is continuing his recovery from injury.
- At least four goals have been scored in 6 of Manchester City's last 7 Champions League matches.
- The club has only secured three wins in regular time in their last 10 games in this European competition (4 draws and 3 losses).
- Under Josep Guardiola, the team has a 21-match unbeaten run at home in this tournament (17 wins and 4 draws).
Predicted lineup for Manchester City (4-2-3-1)
Ederson – John Stones, Josko Gvardiol, Manuel Akanji, Rico Lewis – Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan – Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, Savio – Erling Haaland.
Real Madrid
The Spaniards missed out on finishing in the top eight of the overall UCL stage by just one point. Carlo Ancelotti's side won five times and lost three in the main round of the tournament, with three victories coming in the final three rounds, where they defeated Atalanta (3-2), Salzburg (5-1), and Brest (3-0). Interestingly, Real Madrid has never been eliminated at the group stage of the Champions League in their history and have always advanced to the playoffs. Additionally, in the last three seasons, Real Madrid has won the tournament twice, with the other campaign ending in the semifinals.
Due to injuries, defenders David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao, and Dani Carvajal, as well as midfielder Lucas Vazquez, are out of the game.
- At least three goals have been scored in 5 of Real Madrid's last 6 Champions League matches.
- Both teams scored in regular time in 10 of Real Madrid's last 14 games in this tournament.
- The team has conceded in 7 of their last 8 matches in this European competition.
Predicted lineup for Real Madrid (4-2-3-1)
Thibaut Courtois – Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, Fran Garcia, Ferland Mendy – Federico Valverde, Dani Ceballos – Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo Goes – Kylian Mbappe.
Referee
Clement Turpin (France)
Matches – 9 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 28;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.1;
Red cards shown – 0;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 56%.
Match Prediction: Manchester City vs. Real Madrid
These teams consistently compete in the Champions League and often reach the decisive stages, so it's no surprise that the Spaniards and the English have faced each other multiple times. Their encounters are typically high-scoring with both teams finding the net. In their last eight meetings in the UCL, six times the teams have scored at least three goals, and both teams to score bet has come through in seven cases.
It's also worth noting the head-to-head statistics of the two head coaches – Carlo Ancelotti and Josep Guardiola. The managers have met on an official level 12 times, with three or more goals scored in nine of those matches. In the Champions League, Carlo Ancelotti has the better record (4 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses), with at least four goals scored in six of those eight encounters.
The clubs' league performances are also notable: Real Madrid averages 2.3 goals per game in La Liga, while Manchester City averages 2 goals in the Premier League. Both teams currently have issues with their defenders, with key players sidelined, which has particularly affected the Citizens, who concede an average of 1.5 goals per game even in the Premier League. Considering all these factors, my prediction is Total over 3 goals
