MANCHESTER CITY IN CRISIS, BUT STILL FAVORITES AT THE ETIHAD:
Manchester City is currently in a crisis, far from the form that led them to an outstanding 22-match unbeaten streak in the Champions League from September 2022 to April 2024. This season, Pep Guardiola’s team found themselves facing a real threat of elimination from the first league phase. With only two wins from their first seven Champions League matches, the 2022-23 champions were in danger. However, a dramatic 3-1 comeback victory over Club Brugge on the final matchday was enough to see them through to the next phase.
Since narrowly surviving in Europe, Manchester City has failed to recapture their best form. A 5-1 thrashing by Arsenal in the Premier League and a narrow 2-1 win over third-tier Leyton Orient in the FA Cup show that the team is still struggling. Despite this, their record over the last 10 matches is still strong, with 7 victories and a run of 13 consecutive games with goals.
At home in 2025, City remains unbeaten, having defeated Chelsea, Club Brugge, Salford City, and West Ham United, scoring at least three goals in each match. This gives them a good chance of extending their winning run at the Etihad and becoming a key factor in the upcoming clash against Real Madrid.
REAL MADRID SEEKING TO REGAIN THEIR PEAK FORM:
Real Madrid is facing difficulties this season in Europe, having only just managed to scrape through the group stage in the Champions League. After three losses in their first four matches, they had to secure wins over Atalanta, Red Bull Salzburg, and Brest to progress. Although they retained their title as European champions last season, their current performance in the Champions League is far from ideal.
Domestically, Real Madrid has shown mixed form, but they remain at the top of La Liga, with a controversial 1-1 draw against city rivals Atletico Madrid. Their performances in recent league matches have lacked the usual dominance, and they’ve struggled to put together consistent wins.
Ahead of the match against Manchester City, Real Madrid faces injury concerns, with key players like Rudiger, Carvajal, Militao, and Alaba sidelined. Moreover, several of their players, such as Jude Bellingham and Luka Modric, risk suspension if they receive a yellow card in the upcoming match. Coach Carlo Ancelotti will rely on players like Tchouameni in an emergency center-back role, which could weaken their defense.
BETTING SUGGESTION: MANCHESTER CITY FAVORITE, BUT REAL MADRID SHOULD NOT BE RULED OUT:
In this matchup, Manchester City is the clear favorite, especially considering their strong form at home in 2025. However, Real Madrid is an experienced team that has shown they can handle high-pressure situations in the Champions League. Despite injuries and suspensions, Real Madrid will likely fight hard, trying to control possession and capitalize on counter-attacks and set pieces.
Betting suggestion:
- Manchester City to win is the more likely outcome, especially given their home advantage and current form. City could win with a scoreline of 2-1 or 3-1.
- For a safer bet, City to score more than 2.5 goals looks like a good option, given their attacking efficiency.
- Both teams to score is also a solid bet, as both teams have enough quality to create chances, and City has been known to concede goals in big matches.
