Man City vs Real Madrid: Team News, predicted lineup, injury updates

Manchester City and Real Madrid are set to face off once again in the Champions League, battling over two legs for a place in the round of 16. Their encounters in recent seasons have produced unforgettable moments, but this year’s meeting comes earlier than usual due to City’s struggles in the league phase.

Pep Guardiola’s side secured their place in the play-offs with a 3-1 victory over Club Brugge on Matchday 8, finishing a disappointing 22nd in the standings. Meanwhile, Madrid’s campaign took time to gain momentum, but back-to-back wins over RB Salzburg and Brest lifted them to 11th. Despite their superstar-filled squad, the reigning champions have faced challenges, though this is typically the stage where they thrive.

However, injuries have already impacted both teams’ preparations. Carlo Ancelotti’s side is facing a defensive crisis, with Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão ruled out due to long-term injuries. David Alaba is also expected to miss the match with a muscle issue, while Antonio Rüdiger remains a major doubt. Adding to Real Madrid’s concerns, Lucas Vázquez has been ruled out after suffering a hamstring injury, with the club confirming that he has not traveled with the squad.

Manchester City, meanwhile, will be without Rodri, who is still recovering from a knee injury, while Oscar Bobb is expected to miss out due to a minor setback in his recovery from an ankle injury. There are also concerns over Nico González, who was forced off with a hip injury in the clash against Leyton Orient. Jeremy Doku remains a major doubt, having missed the last five games with an undisclosed injury.

Ederson and Nathan Aké are also uncertain for the match. While both are nearing a return, their availability will be subject to late fitness assessments.

Match Details

Location: Manchester, England

Stadium: Etihad Stadium

Date: Tuesday, 11 February

Kick-off Time: 20:00 GMT / 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT

Referee: Clement Turpin (FRA)

VAR: Jerome Brisard (FRA)

Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Meetings)

Man City: 1 win

Real Madrid: 2 wins

Draws: 2

Last Meeting: Man City 1-1 (3-4p) Real Madrid (17 April 2024) – Champions League

Recent Form (All Competitions)

Manchester City

Leyton Orient 1-2 Man City (08/02/25)

Arsenal 5-1 Man City (02/02/25)

Man City 3-1 Club Brugge (29/01/25)

Man City 3-1 Chelsea (25/01/25)

PSG 4-2 Man City (22/01/25)

Real Madrid

Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid (08/02/25)

Leganes 2-3 Real Madrid (05/02/25)

Espanyol 1-0 Real Madrid (01/02/25)

Brest 0-3 Real Madrid (29/01/25)

Real Valladolid 0-3 Real Madrid (25/01/25)

Team News

Manchester City

Both Manchester City and Real Madrid have some injury worries ahead of their Champions League meeting. City remain without long-term absentee Rodri, who is still recovering from a knee injury. Another long-term absentee, Oscar Bobb, is also expected to miss the game after a minor setback in his recovery from an ankle injury. Nico Gonzalez is a doubt after being forced off against Leyton Orient with a hip injury. Jeremy Doku has missed the last five games with an unknown injury and remains a doubt. Ederson and Nathan Ake may return but will need to pass late fitness tests.

Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Ederson; Akanji, Stones, Dias, Gvardiol; Bernardo, Kovacic; Foden, De Bruyne, Savinho; Haaland

Real Madrid

Carlo Ancelotti is dealing with a defensive injury crisis. Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao are long-term absentees, while David Alaba is expected to miss the game with a muscle injury. Antonio Rudiger is a major doubt, and makeshift full-back Lucas Vazquez has been ruled out with a hamstring injury. Federico Valverde is likely to be deployed at right-back, which could see Luka Modric return to midfield. Eduardo Camavinga, who recently made his comeback, is set to start in Ancelotti’s team.

Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Courtois; Valverde, Tchouameni, Asencio, Mendy; Camavinga, Modric; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius Jr; Mbappe

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