The second leg of the 2024/25 Champions League playoff between Real Madrid (Spain) and Manchester City (England) will take place on February 19 at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. The score of the first match was 3-2 in favor of Real Madrid. Real Madrid vs. Manchester City: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Real Madrid
The Spaniards secured a comeback victory in the first leg, defeating the Mancunians 3-2 at their stadium. Notably, Madrid scored two goals towards the end of the match. As a result, Real Madrid's winning streak in the Champions League has extended to four matches, with the team scoring at least three goals in each of them. To advance to the round of 16, Carlo Ancelotti's side only needs to avoid defeat in the return leg.
- Real Madrid's uncompromising streak in this European competition stands at 11 games (8 wins and 3 losses).
- At least three goals have been scored in 6 of Real Madrid's last 7 Champions League matches.
- Two or more goals have been scored in the second half of the Spaniards' last five matches in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Real Madrid (4-3-3)
Thibaut Courtois – Aurélien Tchouaméni, Antonio Rüdiger, Raúl Asensio, Federico Valverde – Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham, Dani Ceballos – Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo Goes, Kylian Mbappé.
Defenders Éder Militão and Dani Carvajal are sidelined due to injuries. Midfielder Lucas Vázquez's participation is doubtful. Notably, defenders Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba have returned to fitness.
Manchester City
The English side faltered at the end of the first leg, losing not only the win but also a draw. Now, Pep Guardiola's team needs to win in Spain by two or more goals. If the return match ends with a one-goal victory for the visitors, extra time will be played. Defeating Madrid will not be easy, especially since the Mancunians have only won one of their last six Champions League matches (1 draw and 4 losses). However, it is worth noting that in the last seven editions of this European competition, Manchester City has consistently reached at least the quarter-finals.
- The Cityzens have not won in regular time in 8 of their last 11 matches in this tournament (4 draws and 4 losses).
- At least four goals have been scored in 7 of the last 8 matches involving the Mancunians in the Champions League.
- Both teams have scored in 5 of the club's last 6 matches in this European competition.
Predicted lineup for Manchester City (4-1-4-1)
Ederson – Josko Gvardiol, Rico Lewis, John Stones, Abdukodir Khusanov – Mateo Kovacic – Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, Kevin De Bruyne, Savio – Erling Haaland.
Midfielder Rodri Hernandez, forward Oscar Bobb, and defender Manuel Akanji have long-term injuries and will not play in the near future.
Referee
Istvan Kovacs (Romania)
Matches – 8 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 27;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.4;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 13%.
Real Madrid vs. Manchester City: Match Prediction
The opponents are well aware of each other's strengths and weaknesses. Nevertheless, their head-to-head encounters tend to be high-scoring. In nine recent Champions League meetings, both teams found the net eight times, with at least three goals scored in seven matches. Additionally, both teams have scored in the last four head-to-head clashes at Real Madrid's home in the Champions League.
Furthermore, the "Both Teams to Score – Yes" bet has been successful in Real Madrid's last eight home matches in this European competition. At least three goals have been scored in the last six games at Real Madrid's home ground in the Champions League. Manchester City's away games in this tournament are equally prolific: both teams have scored in 10 of the Cityzens' last 12 away matches, with at least four goals scored in 8 of their last 9 away games.
I believe this head-to-head encounter will also delight us with high scoring. My prediction: Both Teams to Score – Yes and Total Over 2.5
