Manchester City vs Real Madrid: Team News, H2H, Predicted lineup and Match Preview
On Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at 19:00 UTC, Manchester City will host Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium for the Quarter-Finals of the Champions League Final Stage.
The quarter-final matchup is finely balanced after last week's 3-3 draw between Manchester City and Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, setting the stage for an exhilarating encounter on Wednesday night. It was a see-saw battle with both teams taking turns in the lead. Bernardo Silva opened the scoring for City with a clever free-kick following a reckless challenge on Jack Grealish by Aurelien Tchouameni. Real Madrid leveled the game just 10 minutes later when Ruben Dias inadvertently redirected a shot from Eduardo Camavinga into his own net. Los Blancos then went ahead through a deflected shot that found the net courtesy of Rodrygo's finish. Phil Foden continued his impressive season by equalizing for City with a superb strike into the top left corner. Josko Gvardiol then put City back in front with a strike from his right foot, but Federico Valverde leveled the score once again with a stunning volley from his right foot.
Manchester City Form
In their last five matches, Manchester City have won three and drawn two. Their most recent victory was a 5-1 win at home against Luton. The scoring started with an own goal by Daiki Hashioka, followed by Mateo Kovacic's first Premier League goal for the club with a fine half-volley. Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku, and Josko Gvardiol also found the net, while Ross Barkley scored a consolation goal for the visitors. This match came after their trip to the Bernabeu for the first leg of their quarter-final tie against Real Madrid, which ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw.
Before that, they secured a crucial 4-2 away win against Crystal Palace, with Kevin De Bruyne scoring twice after Jean-Philippe Mateta's early goal for Palace. They also claimed a dominant 4-1 victory at home against Aston Villa, with Phil Foden scoring a hat-trick. This win followed a frustrating 0-0 draw at home against Arsenal, despite City's dominance in possession and passing.
Real Madrid Form
Real Madrid have been on an impressive run in their last five matches, winning four and drawing one. They showcased their strength by winning three consecutive league games before an exciting 3-3 draw in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals against Manchester City. Despite falling behind twice, an own goal from Ruben Dias and a goal from Rodrygo helped them level the score, while Federico Valverde ensured they left with a draw.
Their winning streak began with a convincing 4-0 victory against Celta Vigo in La Liga, with goals from Vinicius, two own goals, and Arda Guler. They continued their scoring spree with a 4-2 win against Osasuna, where Vinicius, Dani Carvajal, and Brahim Diaz all found the net. They secured another victory against Athletic Bilbao, with Rodrygo scoring twice.
In their most recent match against Mallorca, Aurelien Tchouameni's goal shortly after halftime secured a narrow 1-0 win, bringing them closer to clinching the La Liga title.
Head to Head
Pep Guardiola's team boasts an impressive home record, particularly in the Champions League where they've won all four matches at the Etihad Stadium this season, scoring three goals in each game. Despite Real Madrid's strong defensive performances this season, Carlo Ancelotti's side may struggle to contain City's attacking prowess. However, City have only managed to keep one clean sheet in European competition this campaign, suggesting that Real Madrid will have opportunities to score.
Real Madrid are determined to avoid a repeat of last season's disappointment in the Champions League. In the semi-finals, they drew the first leg 1-1 at home against City but suffered a devastating 4-0 defeat at the Etihad Stadium, resulting in their elimination from the tournament. Vinicius Jr and Kevin De Bruyne scored in the first leg, while Bernardo Silva's brace and goals from Manuel Akanji and Julian Alvarez sealed City's victory. In their four knockout ties since 2015/16, City have won the home leg in three instances, and Real Madrid are yet to secure a victory at the Etihad.
Team news
Manchester City
John Stones missed the weekend's match, but there's optimism surrounding his potential return for this upcoming game. Kyle Walker and Nathan Ake made their way back to the bench during the weekend fixture. Pep Guardiola doesn't have any fresh injury worries ahead of the match.
Real Madrid
Aurelien Tchouameni will face suspension following his yellow card in the first leg. Thibaut Courtois and David Alaba will be sidelined for the remainder of the season.
Predicted Lineup
Manchester City possible lineup:
Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Gvardiol, Rodri, Silva; Foden, De Bruyne, Grealish, Haaland
Real Madrid possible lineup:
Lunin; Carvajal, Rudiger, Nacho, Mendy; Valverde, Camavinga, Kroos; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr
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Manchester City vs Real Madrid Prediction:
The removal of the away goals rule leaves the outcome of this match delicately balanced for the second leg. Past experiences indicate it's challenging to go against Real Madrid's offensive prowess, but given Manchester City's formidable home performance and current form, we anticipate them securing victory and progressing to the semi-finals.