In what promises to be a thrilling UEFA Champions League encounter, Manchester City will host defending champions Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, in the first leg of the playoffs. The winner of this tie will secure a spot in the Round of 16. Africa Football’s editor Allan Damba looks into the upcoming remake of last season’s battle.
Match Overview
Both sides failed to finish in the top eight of the group stage, which would have guaranteed them direct qualification. Instead, they settled for the playoff route, with Real Madrid finishing 11th with 15 points, while Manchester City ended the round in 22nd place with 11 points.
With the second leg coming up next week, both teams will be eager to take the early advantage and avoid an early exit. Last season, Real Madrid claimed their record-extending Champions League title by beating Borussia Dortmund in the final, while Manchester City were eliminated in the quarter-finals.
In their most recent league outings, Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid played out a 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid in La Liga, while Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City edged past Leyton Orient 2-1 in the FA Cup fourth round.
Manchester City recent form analysis
Manchester City have won three of their last five matches, losing the other two across all competitions. The Citizens have been prolific in front of goal, scoring 11 times, but they have also been leaky at the back, conceding 12 goals in that period. They secured a 3-1 victory over Club Brugge in their most recent Champions League fixture.
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Last five games: 3 wins, 2 losses
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Latest result: Leyton Orient 1-2 Manchester City
Real Madrid Recent Form Analysis
Real Madrid have suffered just one defeat in their last five matches, winning three and drawing one. During this run, they have netted 10 goals while conceding only four. In their most recent Champions League game, they cruised to a 3-0 win over Stade Brest.
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Last five games: 3 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss
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Latest result: Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid
Head-to-head (last five meetings)
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Manchester City 1 (3-4) 1 Real Madrid
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Real Madrid 3-3 Manchester City
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Manchester City 4-0 Real Madrid
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Real Madrid 1-1 Manchester City
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Real Madrid 3-1 Manchester City
Our Prediction for Manchester City vs Real Madrid
This first leg is expected to be highly competitive, with both teams eager to seize control of the tie before the return leg. However, Manchester City could have a slight edge due to their home advantage.
Recommended bets:
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Double Chance 1X (Manchester City win or draw) – Odds: 1.47 (1xBet)
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Both Teams to Score (YES) – Odds: 1.40 (1xBet)
Player to watch
Manuel Akanji – The Swiss-born defender of Nigerian descent was rested during the FA Cup clash against Leyton Orient and will be fresh for this crucial encounter. Up against the attacking threat of Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe, Akanji’s defensive solidity will be crucial for Manchester City. He has featured in 29 matches this season and will need to be at his best to contain Real Madrid’s firepower.
