Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
In what is a blockbuster Champions League showdown, Real Madrid will welcome Manchester City to the Bernabeu on Wednesday night.
Real Madrid
Starting with the hosts, while Real Madrid might have come flying out of the traps following Xabi Alonso’s arrival over the summer, Los Blancos have largely come crashing back down to earth on either side of November’s international break. Last seen over the weekend putting in a downbeat display as they slumped to an infamous 2-0 loss at home against Celta Vigo, the former Bayer Leverkusen boss is desperately searching for a European boost here. However, despite dragging themselves over the finishing line a fortnight ago as they clung to a frantic 4-3 victory away at Olympiacos, the Spanish icons have remarkably registered just a pair of wins from any of their previous seven appearances across all competitions. With it suggested that the Alonso has some mounting pressure on his shoulders at the Bernabeu, the 15-time European champions will certainly be under the microscope on Wednesday night.
Real Madrid Team News
While all three of Fran Garcia, Alvaro Carreras and Brazilian starlet Endrick might have been shown respective domestic red cards against Celta Vigo on Sunday, the trio are free to feature here. However, suffering yet another injury setback last week, Los Blancos have confirmed that former Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold will miss out on Wednesday night.
Shattering a string of records this season and already notching nine goals in his first five Champions League appearances, French skipper Kylian Mbappe will play a leading role in the final third. Left as an unused substitute over the weekend, former Rennes starlet Eduardo Camavinga could be handed a full recall.
Manchester City
As for the visitors, while Manchester City might have marked their return from November’s international break with consecutive defeats, the Sky Blues have come roaring back. Last seen over the weekend cruising their way to a routine 3-0 victory at home against Premier League newcomers Sunderland, Pep Guardiola’s men have won each of their previous three domestic appearances by an aggregate score of 11-6. However, missing out on a real opportunity a fortnight ago as they eventually slumped to a 2-0 loss at home against German giants Bayer Leverkusen, the former Barcelona boss is calling on an immediate European response here. Although some in Guardiola’s camp might be smelling the chance to make a heavyweight Champions League statement on foreign soil, City did fall to a 3-1 loss when they last travelled to the Bernabeu back in February.
Manchester City Team News
Dealing with what has become a real injury nightmare this season, midfield talisman and former Ballon d’Or winner Rodri remains on the sidelines and will not feature on Wednesday night. Likewise, not playing any part since the end of October, former Chelsea star Mateo Kovacic is still dealing with a reported heel issue.
Already notching 20 goals both domestically and on the European stage, the record-breaking Erling Haaland will spearhead City’s charge in Spain. Immediately cementing his spot as Guardiola’s number one choice following a sensational summer switch from PSG, Gianluigi Donnarumma will start between the sticks.
Real Madrid vs Manchester City Key Factors to Consider
- When Real Madrid and Manchester City met in the knockout stage of last season’s tournament, Los Blancos claimed a thrilling 6-3 aggregate win.
- However, Alonso’s camp have recorded just a pair of wins from any of their previous seven appearances across all competitions.
- Man City have won their last three domestic showdowns by an aggregate score of 11-6.
- French skipper Kylian Mbappe has registered a staggering nine goals in his first five Champions League appearances this season.
- 10 of the last 11 showdowns between Real Madrid and Manchester City have finished with both teams finding the net.
Conclusion
With all eyes falling on the Spanish capital on Wednesday night, neutrals will be hoping for what is another blockbuster Champions League showdown here. Two European icons who are dreaming of the chance to mount their own respective title charges this season, Real Madrid and Manchester City also have a habit of producing fireworks when they meet. In fact, along with each of their last four battles, 10 of the previous 11 contests between Wednesday’s opponents have finished with both teams finding the net. In what promises to be another mouth-watering Champions League tussle, we are expecting chances to come thick and fast from the Bernabeu.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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