The Champions League has once again brought together two football giants in a thrilling matchup as Real Madrid faces off against Manchester City in early February 2025. This encounter is part of a play-off round after both teams failed to secure automatic qualification into the last sixteen due to their league phase performances.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid enters this crucial tie with significant defensive challenges. Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão are out for extended periods due to knee injuries. Additionally, Lucas Vázquez has been ruled out with a hamstring injury. Fede Valverde may fill in at right-back alongside Aurelien Tchouameni and Raul Asencio at center-back.
Manchester City
Manchester City is looking forward after overcoming initial struggles this season. They recently came back from behind against Leyton Orient in an FA Cup match. Key players like Erling Haaland will be crucial for their success against Los Blancos.
Predicted Lineups
Real Madrid
Expected lineup:
- Thibaut Courtois (GK)
- Fede Valverde (RB)
- Aurelien Tchouameni (CB)
- Raul Asencio (CB)
- Ferland Mendy (LB)
- Luka Modrić (CM)
- Eduardo Camavinga or Jude Bellingham could feature alongside Modrić depending on Ancelotti’s strategy.
Front four likely includes Rodrygo Goes, Jude Bellingham or Eduardo Camavinga if not starting centrally, Vinícius Júnior, and Kylian Mbappé1.
Manchester City
Predicted lineup:
Ederson could return as goalkeeper despite being an injury concern.
Defence might include Manuel Akanji at right-back due to his athleticism against Vinicius Junior’s pace.
Central defense will feature John Stones alongside Ruben Dias following his return from injury.
Josko Gvardiol is expected at left-back given his attacking prowess.
Midfield includes Mateo Kovacic partnering Bernardo Silva if Nico Gonzalez isn’t fit.
Attack features Phil Foden on the right wing with Kevin De Bruyne behind Erling Haaland up front; Savinho may start on the left flank given his impact recently2.
Analysis
Both teams face defensive challenges but have strong attacking units that can exploit these vulnerabilities. The midfield battle between Modrić/Camavinga vs Kovacic/Silva will be pivotal along with how each defense handles star forwards like Mbappé/Haaland.
