The Etihad Stadium is set to host one of the most anticipated clashes in European football this Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at 5:00 PM (Brasília time). Manchester City and Real Madrid face off in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, in a battle between two giants that have consistently contended for the title in recent years. On one side, Pep Guardiola’s City aims to replicate their dominant performances and progress in the tournament, while Real Madrid, the competition’s most successful team, relies on its rich history to overcome yet another challenge.
This high-profile encounter promises top-tier football, featuring stars like Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, Vinícius Júnior, and Rodrygo, under the guidance of two legendary managers. The excitement surrounding the game is evident, with tickets selling out rapidly and an expected presence of sports and entertainment celebrities at the Etihad Stadium. The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports and streamed on Max, with comprehensive coverage available for fans. Additionally, the ge portal will provide real-time updates, ensuring fans don’t miss any crucial moments.
Past encounters between Manchester City and Real Madrid in the Champions League have been closely contested. The teams have met 11 times in the competition, with City winning four times, Real Madrid securing three victories, and four matches ending in a draw. At the Etihad Stadium, City holds the advantage with three wins and two draws, while Real Madrid has yet to claim victory in Manchester. However, Real Madrid’s unparalleled experience in decisive matches adds unpredictability to this fixture.
Where to Watch and Broadcast Details
Manchester City vs. Real Madrid will be broadcast live on TNT Sports for cable TV viewers and streamed via Max. Fans who prefer real-time updates can follow the minute-by-minute coverage on the ge portal, which will provide highlights and tactical insights throughout the match. Given the significance of this encounter, a massive global audience is expected, as past City vs. Real Madrid matchups have consistently ranked among the most-watched Champions League games.
Alongside live coverage, multiple media outlets will offer pre- and post-match analysis, examining each team’s strengths and vulnerabilities. With two of the world’s most elite squads going head-to-head, this game is set to be one of the season’s standout events.
Probable Lineups and Confirmed Absences
Pep Guardiola is expected to deploy his signature tactical setup, emphasizing ball possession and creativity in midfield to supply Haaland in attack. Manchester City’s probable starting XI includes:
- Goalkeeper: Ederson
- Defense: Nunes, Akanji, Rúben Dias, and Gvardiol
- Midfield: Kovačić, Savinho, De Bruyne, Foden, and Bernardo Silva
- Attack: Haaland
Carlo Ancelotti, on the other hand, faces defensive challenges due to key absences but will rely on Real Madrid’s attacking prowess to secure a favorable result away from home. The expected lineup for the Spanish side includes:
- Goalkeeper: Courtois
- Defense: Carvajal, Tchouaméni, Rüdiger, and Mendy
- Midfield: Valverde, Camavinga, and Bellingham
- Attack: Rodrygo, K. Mbappé, and Vinícius Júnior
Real Madrid’s defensive concerns are significant, particularly with Éder Militão and David Alaba unavailable due to injury. This could create vulnerabilities against City’s relentless attacking approach.
Recent Form and Team Performances
Both Manchester City and Real Madrid enter this match with solid records in their respective leagues. Their last five matches showcase their consistency:
- Manchester City: 3 wins, 2 draws
- Real Madrid: 3 wins, 2 draws
City remains a dominant force in the Premier League, competing for the domestic title. Meanwhile, Real Madrid sits atop La Liga, maintaining efficiency despite squad limitations. Their defensive resilience will be tested against City’s attacking firepower.
Champions League Head-to-Head History
Manchester City and Real Madrid’s Champions League history is filled with unforgettable clashes. Since 2012, they have faced off in multiple knockout rounds, including the 2023 semifinals, where City eliminated Madrid with a commanding 4-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium.
In recent years, City has had the upper hand in direct encounters, capitalizing on their structured attacking system. However, Real Madrid is famous for dramatic comebacks, as demonstrated in 2022 when they overturned a deficit in the final minutes to eliminate City in a stunning turnaround.
Match Officials and Weather Conditions
The game will be officiated by French referee Clément Turpin, assisted by Nicolas Danos and Benjamin Pages. Video Assistant Referee (VAR) duties will be handled by Jérôme Brisard and Willy Delajod. With controversial refereeing decisions frequently influencing Champions League fixtures, the officiating team’s performance will be under close scrutiny.
The weather forecast for Manchester suggests temperatures around 5°C with a chance of light rain. These conditions may impact the match, requiring extra caution from players on a potentially slippery pitch.
Interesting Facts About Manchester City vs. Real Madrid
- Real Madrid holds the record for the most Champions League titles, with 14 trophies.
- Pep Guardiola has a strong track record against Real Madrid, securing multiple victories with both City and Barcelona.
- Haaland and Vinícius Júnior lead their respective teams in scoring and are expected to play crucial roles in the match.
Financial Impact and Celebrity Presence
This high-profile match generates significant revenue, from broadcasting rights to ticket sales. With a sold-out Etihad Stadium, many high-profile figures from the sports and entertainment industries are expected to attend. The Champions League remains the most prestigious club tournament, blending elite football with business and global viewership.
Expectations and Match Scenario
A thrilling contest is anticipated, with City likely to dominate possession and apply pressure through their fluid attacking play. Meanwhile, Real Madrid will rely on Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo’s pace to exploit counter-attacking opportunities. With key defensive absences on both sides, a high-scoring match could be on the cards.

The Etihad Stadium is set to host one of the most anticipated clashes in European football this Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at 5:00 PM (Brasília time). Manchester City and Real Madrid face off in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, in a battle between two giants that have consistently contended for the title in recent years. On one side, Pep Guardiola’s City aims to replicate their dominant performances and progress in the tournament, while Real Madrid, the competition’s most successful team, relies on its rich history to overcome yet another challenge.
This high-profile encounter promises top-tier football, featuring stars like Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, Vinícius Júnior, and Rodrygo, under the guidance of two legendary managers. The excitement surrounding the game is evident, with tickets selling out rapidly and an expected presence of sports and entertainment celebrities at the Etihad Stadium. The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports and streamed on Max, with comprehensive coverage available for fans. Additionally, the ge portal will provide real-time updates, ensuring fans don’t miss any crucial moments.
Past encounters between Manchester City and Real Madrid in the Champions League have been closely contested. The teams have met 11 times in the competition, with City winning four times, Real Madrid securing three victories, and four matches ending in a draw. At the Etihad Stadium, City holds the advantage with three wins and two draws, while Real Madrid has yet to claim victory in Manchester. However, Real Madrid’s unparalleled experience in decisive matches adds unpredictability to this fixture.
Where to Watch and Broadcast Details
Manchester City vs. Real Madrid will be broadcast live on TNT Sports for cable TV viewers and streamed via Max. Fans who prefer real-time updates can follow the minute-by-minute coverage on the ge portal, which will provide highlights and tactical insights throughout the match. Given the significance of this encounter, a massive global audience is expected, as past City vs. Real Madrid matchups have consistently ranked among the most-watched Champions League games.
Alongside live coverage, multiple media outlets will offer pre- and post-match analysis, examining each team’s strengths and vulnerabilities. With two of the world’s most elite squads going head-to-head, this game is set to be one of the season’s standout events.
Probable Lineups and Confirmed Absences
Pep Guardiola is expected to deploy his signature tactical setup, emphasizing ball possession and creativity in midfield to supply Haaland in attack. Manchester City’s probable starting XI includes:
- Goalkeeper: Ederson
- Defense: Nunes, Akanji, Rúben Dias, and Gvardiol
- Midfield: Kovačić, Savinho, De Bruyne, Foden, and Bernardo Silva
- Attack: Haaland
Carlo Ancelotti, on the other hand, faces defensive challenges due to key absences but will rely on Real Madrid’s attacking prowess to secure a favorable result away from home. The expected lineup for the Spanish side includes:
- Goalkeeper: Courtois
- Defense: Carvajal, Tchouaméni, Rüdiger, and Mendy
- Midfield: Valverde, Camavinga, and Bellingham
- Attack: Rodrygo, K. Mbappé, and Vinícius Júnior
Real Madrid’s defensive concerns are significant, particularly with Éder Militão and David Alaba unavailable due to injury. This could create vulnerabilities against City’s relentless attacking approach.
Recent Form and Team Performances
Both Manchester City and Real Madrid enter this match with solid records in their respective leagues. Their last five matches showcase their consistency:
- Manchester City: 3 wins, 2 draws
- Real Madrid: 3 wins, 2 draws
City remains a dominant force in the Premier League, competing for the domestic title. Meanwhile, Real Madrid sits atop La Liga, maintaining efficiency despite squad limitations. Their defensive resilience will be tested against City’s attacking firepower.
Champions League Head-to-Head History
Manchester City and Real Madrid’s Champions League history is filled with unforgettable clashes. Since 2012, they have faced off in multiple knockout rounds, including the 2023 semifinals, where City eliminated Madrid with a commanding 4-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium.
In recent years, City has had the upper hand in direct encounters, capitalizing on their structured attacking system. However, Real Madrid is famous for dramatic comebacks, as demonstrated in 2022 when they overturned a deficit in the final minutes to eliminate City in a stunning turnaround.
Match Officials and Weather Conditions
The game will be officiated by French referee Clément Turpin, assisted by Nicolas Danos and Benjamin Pages. Video Assistant Referee (VAR) duties will be handled by Jérôme Brisard and Willy Delajod. With controversial refereeing decisions frequently influencing Champions League fixtures, the officiating team’s performance will be under close scrutiny.
The weather forecast for Manchester suggests temperatures around 5°C with a chance of light rain. These conditions may impact the match, requiring extra caution from players on a potentially slippery pitch.
Interesting Facts About Manchester City vs. Real Madrid
- Real Madrid holds the record for the most Champions League titles, with 14 trophies.
- Pep Guardiola has a strong track record against Real Madrid, securing multiple victories with both City and Barcelona.
- Haaland and Vinícius Júnior lead their respective teams in scoring and are expected to play crucial roles in the match.
Financial Impact and Celebrity Presence
This high-profile match generates significant revenue, from broadcasting rights to ticket sales. With a sold-out Etihad Stadium, many high-profile figures from the sports and entertainment industries are expected to attend. The Champions League remains the most prestigious club tournament, blending elite football with business and global viewership.
Expectations and Match Scenario
A thrilling contest is anticipated, with City likely to dominate possession and apply pressure through their fluid attacking play. Meanwhile, Real Madrid will rely on Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo’s pace to exploit counter-attacking opportunities. With key defensive absences on both sides, a high-scoring match could be on the cards.
