The first knockout match of the 2024/25 Champions League between Manchester City (England) and Real Madrid (Spain) will take place on February 11 at the Etihad Stadium. Manchester City vs. Real Madrid: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Manchester City
The Citizens have reached the Champions League playoffs for the 12th consecutive time. However, this season they secured their advancement only in the final round of the group stage, where they defeated Club Brugge 3-1 at home. Prior to that, City went four matches without a win in the Champions League (1 draw and 3 losses). After eight games, they accumulated just 11 points (3 wins and 2 draws) and finished only in 22nd place in the overall group stage standings.
The participation of forward Oscar Bobb and midfielder Matheus Nunes is still in doubt. Midfielder Rodri Hernandez continues his recovery from injury.
- At least four goals have been scored in 6 of Manchester City's last 7 Champions League matches.
- The club has only three wins in regular time in their last 10 games in this European competition (4 draws and 3 losses).
- At home in this tournament, Pep Guardiola's side is unbeaten in 21 matches (17 wins and 4 draws).
Predicted lineup for Manchester City (4-2-3-1)
Ederson – John Stones, Josko Gvardiol, Manuel Akanji, Rico Lewis – Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan – Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, Savio – Erling Haaland.
Real Madrid
The Spaniards fell one point short of finishing in the top eight of the overall Champions League group stage. Carlo Ancelotti's men won five times and lost three in the main round of the tournament, with three victories coming in the final three rounds, where they defeated Atalanta (3-2), Salzburg (5-1), and Brest (3-0). Interestingly, Madrid has never been eliminated in the group stage of the Champions League and has always advanced to the playoffs. Additionally, in the last three seasons, Real has won this tournament twice, with another campaign ending at the semi-final stage.
Due to injuries, defenders David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal, and midfielder Lucas Vazquez are unavailable.
- At least three goals have been scored in 5 of Real Madrid's last 6 Champions League matches.
- Both teams have scored in 10 of Real's last 14 games in this tournament.
- The team has conceded in 7 of their last 8 matches in this European competition.
Predicted lineup for Real Madrid (4-2-3-1)
Thibaut Courtois – Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, Fran Garcia, Ferland Mendy – Federico Valverde, Dani Ceballos – Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo Goes – Kylian Mbappe.
Referee
Clement Turpin (France)
Matches – 9 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 28;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.1;
Red cards shown – 0;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 56%.
Match Prediction: Manchester City vs. Real Madrid
These teams frequently compete in the Champions League and often reach the decisive stages, so it's no surprise that the Spaniards and the English have met each other several times. Their encounters are usually high-scoring and see both teams finding the net. In eight previous head-to-head meetings in the Champions League, at least three goals were scored six times, and the "Both Teams to Score – Yes" bet succeeded in seven cases.
It's also worth noting the head-to-head statistics of the two head coaches – Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola. The coaches have met officially 12 times, with three or more goals scored in nine of those matches. In the Champions League, Carlo Ancelotti has the better record (4 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses), with at least four goals scored in six of those eight encounters.
It's also important to consider the clubs' league performances: Real averages 2.3 goals per game in La Liga, while Manchester City averages 2 goals in the Premier League. Both teams currently face defensive issues, with key players sidelined due to injuries, which has particularly affected City, who concede an average of 1.5 goals per game in the Premier League. Considering all these factors, my prediction is Total over 3 goals.
