Manchester City vs. Real Madrid is a clash between two former champions. The Cityzens won the UCL two years ago; Los Blancos did it last year. Unfortunately for soccer fans, one of these two heavyweights will exit the 2025 Champions League after the first round of the knockout phase. Who will it be?
It’s early to say because the first leg of the Man City vs. Real Madrid doubleheader is played on February 11. However, if one of them gets a big win on Tuesday, they’ll make a huge leap toward the next stage of the competition. That said, you can expect both teams to go all-in.
Manchester City vs. Real Madrid Odds
| Moneyline | Odds |
|---|---|
| Manchester City | +135 |
| Tie | +270 |
| Real Madrid | +179 |
| Goals | Odds |
|---|---|
| Over 2.5 | -200 |
| Under 2.5 | +163 |
When, Where, and How to Watch?
- Place: Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England
- Date: Tuesday, February 11, 2025
- Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
- How to Watch: Paramount+
Manchester City Switching Their Focus on the Champions League
Pep Guardiola’s men are doomed in the English Premier League. They’re fifth in the standings with 15 points fewer (and one game more) than table leaders Liverpool. Plus, in their most recent EPL game, they got hammered by second-placed Arsenal 5:1.
They also got knocked out of the Carabao Cup early in the season. They’re still in the FA Cup, though, but the biggest trophy they can win is the Champions League. That’s why you can be sure that they’re going to focus completely on this competition.
The trouble is that in the first round of the 2025 UCL knockout phase, they’re locking horns against the defending champion. On the bright side, they no longer have too many injury worries as was the case just a few weeks ago.
Real Madrid Players Keep Dreaming Big Dreams
Carlo Ancelotti’s men are doing great on all fronts. They’re in the race for the Spanish La Liga title and have reached the semifinal stage of the Spanish Cup. They weren’t too great in the league phase of the Champions League in 2024, though.
People expected them to dominate the competition given that they’re the defending champions. However, they finished in the No. 11 position, which is why they didn’t get a bye in the first round of the knockouts.
Actually, they probably got the worst opponent possible. But such games are their opportunity to remind everyone that they’re the champions of soccer’s most prestigious competition.
Manchester City vs. Real Madrid Prediction
Los Blancos look unstoppable right now. The best thing is that their key men – Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Vini Jr., and others – are playing fantastic soccer at the moment. We think they’ll continue to do so, which is why Real Madrid is our pick.
Pick: Real Madrid