Last week's encounter at the Bernabeu certainly didn't disappoint, with both teams delivering a thrilling 3-3 draw. The winner of Wednesday's match will face either Arsenal or Bayern Munich in the semi-finals.
Games between Man City and Real Madrid in Madrid tend to be epic, and the first leg was no exception. Goals from Rodrygo and an own goal by Ruben Dias canceled out Bernardo Silva's early strike, before Phil Foden and Josko Gvardiol put City ahead once more. However, Real Madrid had a stunning response, with Federico Valverde's superb volley sealing the six-goal spectacle.
City's recent Premier League matches have also been high-scoring affairs, with six goals in each of their last two games resulting in victories over Crystal Palace and Luton Town. Their lead at the top of the Premier League table was further secured by losses from Arsenal and Liverpool over the weekend, extending their unbeaten streak to 27 matches since December.
A win for City would not only secure their spot in the semi-finals but also equal a club-record 42-game unbeaten run at home. Real Madrid, on the other hand, arrive in Manchester with an unbeaten record in the Champions League this season and a perfect away record in the current edition, albeit with narrow margins.
While Real Madrid's unbeaten streak may not match City's, they have their own impressive record to boast. They head to Manchester with confidence, having only failed to advance from two of their last 10 Champions League ties when not winning the first leg, both times against Manchester United.
However, facing City at the Etihad, where they suffered a 4-0 defeat last year, presents a significant challenge for Real Madrid.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Guardiola and his team received a significant fitness boost ahead of their weekend match against Luton. Phil Foden, who was substituted in the first leg due to a knock, and Kevin De Bruyne, who was ill, both made the squad, along with Kyle Walker and Nathan Ake.It seems likely that all four will be fit to start the return fixture. The only minor concern for the team is John Stones, who missed the Luton game due to a minor issue. However, Guardiola confirmed that Stones' absence was due to discomfort rather than a serious injury.
With nearly all players available, Guardiola may opt for recalls for Rodri, Silva, and Foden, who were rested during the weekend match.
On the other hand, Real Madrid is still dealing with long-term injuries to Thibaut Courtois and David Alaba, who are sidelined with ACL injuries. However, Eder Militao is gradually returning to match fitness and played a part in the weekend's win against Mallorca.
Militao could potentially replace the suspended Tchouameni for the upcoming match, although his lack of recent game time may work against him. Club captain Nacho Fernandez is likely to partner Antonio Rudiger in defense, allowing Eduardo Camavinga to continue his midfield role after his goal in the first leg.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Manchester City possible starting lineup:Ederson; Walker, Dias, Stones, Gvardiol; Silva, Rodri, De Bruyne; Foden, Haaland, Doku
Real Madrid possible starting lineup:
Lunin; Carvajal, Nacho, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Camavinga, Kroos; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr
EXPERT PREDICTION
Manchester City 2-1 Real Madrid
While we don't anticipate a repeat of the four-goal defeat City inflicted on Real almost a year ago, City's dominance at home, despite some defensive vulnerabilities, suggests they are likely to continue their journey towards consecutive continental triumphs. This could mean another disappointing night for Real Madrid, reminiscent of past encounters in Manchester.
