Match Preview: Manchester City vs Real Madrid in the UCL Play-Offs

The UEFA Champions League returns with an exciting clash as Manchester City takes on Real Madrid in the first leg of the play-off round at the Etihad Stadium. This match promises to be a thrilling battle between two of Europe’s biggest clubs, both of whom have struggled in the new UCL format but are still among the favorites to lift the trophy.

Match Details

• Fixture: Manchester City vs. Real Madrid
• Competition: UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Play-Offs (First Leg)
• Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2025
• Kick-off Time: 01:30 IST | 20:00 GMT | 15:00 ET | 12:00 PT
• Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester

Manchester City’s Current Form & Key Concerns

Manchester City, the defending Premier League champions, have not had the best of seasons so far. In the new Champions League league phase, they managed to win only three of their eight matches, finishing 22nd out of 36 teams. This forced them into the play-offs instead of securing direct qualification to the Round of 16.

They barely made it past Club Brugge in their final UCL group game to reach this stage. Unlike previous years, when City dominated the knockout rounds, this time they find themselves in an unexpected struggle.

Recent Form (Last 5 Matches in All Competitions)

• Manchester City: L-W-W-L-W
• Real Madrid: W-W-W-W-D

The city has had mixed results in recent games. They were thrashed 5-1 by Arsenal, barely scraped past third-tier Leyton Orient in the FA Cup, and suffered an embarrassing loss to Manchester United. They also lost against top European sides like Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain.

On the other hand, Real Madrid has been in much better form, with four wins in their last five matches. However, injuries and squad depth remain a big issue for the Spanish giants.

Real Madrid’s Defensive Crisis

Real Madrid are the defending UCL champions, but they also struggled in the new format, winning five of their eight matches and finishing 11th in the table. Their biggest concern heading into this game is their injury-hit defense.

Key Defensive Absentees for Real Madrid:

• Antonio Rüdiger (Hamstring Injury) – Out
• Eder Militão (ACL Injury) – Out
• David Alaba (Adductor Injury) – Out
• Daniel Carvajal (Knee Injury) – Out

This leaves Madrid with only one fit center-back, Raul Asencio, who has very little experience. To fill the gap, midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni is likely to play as a makeshift center-back alongside Asencio. Madrid’s lack of defensive stability could be a big advantage for City’s attack, especially Erling Haaland, who will be looking to capitalize.

Key Players to Watch

Manchester City

1. Erling Haaland (Striker)

• Haaland has not scored in four previous matches against Madrid.
• He will be extra motivated to break his scoring drought against Los Blancos.
• With Madrid’s weak defense, this is a perfect chance for him to shine.

2. Kevin De Bruyne (Midfielder)

• The Belgian is City’s creative engine and has been crucial in previous games against Madrid.
• He will need to control the midfield battle to help City dominate.

3. Jack Grealish (Winger)

• Grealish’s dribbling and playmaking can cause problems for Madrid’s full-backs.
• He needs to step up in the absence of key players like Rodri and Doku.

Real Madrid

1. Kylian Mbappé (Forward)

• Mbappé is Madrid’s biggest attacking threat, with 9 goals in his last 8 games.
• City’s defense has been shaky against pacey forwards, and Mbappé could exploit that.

2. Jude Bellingham (Midfielder)

• The English star has been Madrid’s standout player this season.
• His ability to score and create chances will be vital for Madrid.

3. Vinícius Jr. (Winger)

• Vinícius has struggled for goals recently, failing to score in 8 of his last 10 matches.
• However, he remains a dangerous player who can change the game with one moment of brilliance.

Tactical Battle & Expected Lineups

Manchester City (4-2-3-1)

Ederson (GK); Nunes, Akanji, Stones, Gvardiol; Silva, De Bruyne; Foden, Marmoush, Grealish; Haaland

• City will look to dominate possession and exploit Madrid’s weak defense with quick attacks.
• Bernardo Silva and De Bruyne will control midfield, while Haaland will be the focal point in attack.

Real Madrid (4-2-3-1)

Courtois (GK); Vazquez, Tchouaméni, Asencio, Garcia; Valverde, Modric; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinícius Jr; Mbappé

• Madrid will likely sit deeper and counter-attack using the speed of Vinícius and Mbappé.
• Bellingham will look to connect midfield and attack with his movement.

Head-to-Head Record

• Total Matches: 14
• Manchester City Wins: 5
• Real Madrid Wins: 4
• Draws: 5

This will be the fourth consecutive season where these two clubs meet in the Champions League knockout stages. City eliminated Madrid in 2019-20 and 2022-23, but Madrid got their revenge last season in the quarter-finals after a dramatic penalty shootout win.

This match is set to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams having their own strengths and weaknesses.

• City’s Attack vs. Madrid’s Weak Defense → Advantage City
• Madrid’s Speed on the Counter-Attack → Potential Threat for City
• City’s Recent Struggles Against Top Teams → Advantage Madrid

Despite their struggles, Manchester City have a strong record against Real Madrid at home, and Guardiola knows how to beat them. Given Madrid’s defensive injuries, City have the upper hand, but Mbappé and Bellingham could make things difficult.