After a thrilling first-leg encounter at the Etihad Stadium, Real Madrid take a slender 3-2 advantage into Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg against Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabéu. Carlo Ancelotti’s side displayed their trademark resilience to twice come from behind and secure a crucial away victory, setting the stage for another high-stakes European showdown in the Spanish capital.
Match Preview
Real Madrid’s ability to rise to the occasion in the Champions League was once again on display last week when they defied the odds to defeat the reigning champions in their own backyard. Despite Man City taking the lead twice, Los Blancos struck back through Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo before Jude Bellingham sealed the victory with a close-range finish.
The win gives Real Madrid a clear path to the quarter-finals, where they will face either Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen. However, Ancelotti’s men have struggled domestically in recent weeks, failing to win any of their last three La Liga matches. Their latest league outing ended in controversy, as Bellingham was sent off in stoppage time during a 1-1 draw with Osasuna. The Englishman, however, remains available for European action and will be crucial in Madrid’s bid to reach the next round.
History strongly favors Los Blancos in this situation. In the 39 previous European knockout ties where they have won the first leg away from home, they have progressed on 37 occasions. However, they will be wary of a Manchester City side desperate to avoid an early elimination.
City Facing Uphill Battle
Manchester City’s Champions League defense hangs in the balance after last week’s defeat, with history not on their side. The Premier League champions have been eliminated on all four previous occasions when they have lost the first leg of a knockout tie. Pep Guardiola’s men must now do what no other City side has managed before—turn around an away-leg deficit against Real Madrid.
City, however, produced a statement performance in the Premier League over the weekend, dismantling Newcastle United 4-0. Egyptian winger Omar Marmoush stole the headlines with a stunning first-half hat-trick, while James McAtee added the finishing touch to a dominant display.
Although City’s Premier League title aspirations have faded, they remain on course for a top-four finish and have started to regain momentum after a difficult winter period. Their attacking form remains a key strength, having scored in 15 consecutive matches across all competitions. However, their away form in Europe is a major concern—Guardiola’s side have lost their last three Champions League matches on the road, marking the worst away run of his managerial career.
Team News
Real Madrid:Carlo Ancelotti has been handed a major boost ahead of the second leg, with Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba returning to full training after missing the first leg through injury. Rüdiger is expected to start, while Alaba’s involvement remains uncertain. Lucas Vázquez remains sidelined with a hamstring issue, while Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão are long-term absentees.
Jude Bellingham, despite facing a domestic suspension, is available for selection, and his creativity will be key in Madrid’s attacking plans alongside Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.
Possible lineup: Courtois; Valverde, Asensio, Rüdiger, Mendy; Camavinga, Tchouaméni; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappé.
Manchester City:Pep Guardiola could also welcome back key defensive reinforcements, with Ruben Dias and Nathan Aké both in contention after missing the Newcastle game due to minor injuries. Jack Grealish, who picked up a groin problem in the first leg, remains doubtful, while Manuel Akanji (abductor) is ruled out. Rodri is also unavailable due to an ACL injury.
Erling Haaland, who netted twice in the first leg, is on the brink of Champions League history. A goal on Wednesday would make him both the youngest and fastest player to reach 50 goals in the competition.
Possible lineup: Ederson; Nunes, Dias, Aké, Gvardiol; González; Savinho, Silva, De Bruyne, Marmoush; Haaland.
Prediction: Real Madrid 2-1 Manchester City (Real Madrid win 5-4 on aggregate)
Another enthralling contest is expected at the Bernabéu, with Manchester City needing at least two goals to have any chance of progressing. While Guardiola’s men will likely dominate possession and create chances, Real Madrid’s counter-attacking threat, led by Vinicius and Bellingham, could prove decisive.
With their vast experience and ability to rise to the occasion in Europe, Madrid are tipped to edge another tight battle and book their place in the quarter-finals, ending Manchester City's Champions League reign in the process.
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