Real Madrid v Manchester City preview

Manchester City have it all to do to reach the last 16 of the Champions League as they travel to Real Madrid for the second leg of their knockout play-off tie.

Two late goals saw Real win 3-2 last week in what another disappointing collapse by Pep Guardiola’s side, with Vinicius Junior silencing the Etihad with a starring role in setting up Brahim Diaz and Jude Bellingham’s goals.

However, a 4-0 win over Newcastle on Saturday will hand the Citizens a much-needed boost and given their success over the last few years, they will go to the Spanish capital believing they can turn things around, even if Guardiola has played down their chances at just “1%”,

Want to see every angle of @OmarMarmoush‘s second strike against Newcastle? We got you ????

???? @NexenTireUSA pic.twitter.com/CUINbnwBgN

— Manchester City (@ManCity) February 17, 2025

Guardiola hailed the impact of January signing Nico Gonzalez during their win over the Magpies, describing the Spaniard as a “mini Rodri”.

They will hope the former Barcelona youngster can have a similar impact at the Bernabeu on Wednesday as they endeavour to keep their Champions League campaign alive.

Real’s poor league form will also be a source of encouragement, with their winless run in LaLiga stretching to three games with a 1-1 draw at Osasuna on Saturday.