Manchester City vs Real Madrid: betting odds 11 Feb 2025

The first leg of the 2024/25 Champions League playoff between Manchester City (England) and Real Madrid (Spain) will take place on February 11 at the Etihad Stadium. Manchester City vs. Real Madrid: prediction and betting odds, statistics.

Manchester City

The Mancunians have reached the Champions League playoffs for the 12th consecutive time. However, this season, the team secured their advancement from the group stage only in the final round, where they defeated Club Brugge 3-1 at home. Before that, the Citizens went four matches without a win in the Champions League (1 draw, 3 losses). Notably, after eight games, Manchester City accumulated just 11 points (3 wins, 2 draws) and finished 22nd in the group stage standings.

Forward Oscar Bobb's participation is in doubt. Midfielder Rodri Hernandez is still recovering from an injury.

• At least four goals have been scored in 6 of Manchester City's last 7 Champions League matches.
• The club has won only three of their last 10 games in this European competition in regular time (4 draws, 3 losses).
• Pep Guardiola's side is unbeaten in their last 21 home matches in this tournament (17 wins, 4 draws).

Predicted lineup for Manchester City (4-2-3-1)

Stefan Ortega – John Stones, Josko Gvardiol, Manuel Akanji, Rico Lewis – Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan – Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, Savio – Erling Haaland.

Real Madrid

The Spaniards fell one point short of finishing in the top eight in the group stage of the Champions League. Carlo Ancelotti's men won five times and lost three in the main round of the tournament, with three victories coming in the last three rounds, defeating Atalanta (3-2), Salzburg (5-1), and Brest (3-0). Interestingly, Real Madrid has never been eliminated in the group stage of the Champions League and has always progressed to the playoffs. Over the past three seasons, Real Madrid has won the tournament twice, with another campaign ending in the semi-finals.

Due to injuries, defenders David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao, and Dani Carvajal, as well as midfielder Lucas Vazquez, are unavailable.

• At least three goals have been scored in 5 of Real Madrid's last 6 Champions League matches.
• Both teams have scored in 10 of Real Madrid's last 14 games in this tournament.
• The team has conceded in 7 of their last 8 matches in this European competition.

Predicted lineup for Real Madrid (4-2-3-1)

Thibaut Courtois – Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, Fran Garcia, Ferland Mendy – Federico Valverde, Dani Ceballos – Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo Goes – Kylian Mbappe.

Referee

Clement Turpin (France)

Matches – 9 (International matches, 2024/25);

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 28;

Average yellow cards per match – 3.1;

Red cards shown – 0;

Average fouls per match – 23;

Penalties – 56%.

Match Prediction: Manchester City vs. Real Madrid

These teams are regulars in the Champions League and often reach the decisive stages, so it's no surprise that the Spaniards and the English have met several times before. Their encounters are usually high-scoring with both teams finding the net. In their last eight meetings in the Champions League, at least three goals have been scored in six of them, with the "Both teams to score – yes" bet winning in seven cases.

The head-to-head record between the two managers, Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola, is also noteworthy. They have faced each other 12 times officially, with three or more goals scored in nine of those matches. In the Champions League, Carlo Ancelotti has a better record (4 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses), with at least four goals scored in six of those eight encounters.

It's also worth mentioning the clubs' league performances: Real Madrid averages 2.3 goals per game in La Liga, while Manchester City averages 2 goals in the Premier League. Both teams are currently dealing with defensive issues, with key players sidelined, which has particularly affected Manchester City, who are conceding an average of 1.5 goals per game in the Premier League. Considering all these factors, my prediction is Total over 3 goals.