Manchester City and Real Madrid are off for an exciting rematch, as both squads eye to extend their campaign in the Champions League. For this match, both squads are aiming to have a first leg lead for the quarterfinals. Man City were able to book their spots in the quarterfinals after dominating their Round-of-16 series. During the knockout stage, Man City won 6-2 on aggregate, which leads them to their spots here. Meanwhile, for Real, they had a tougher run going into the quarterfinals, as opposed to their opponent. Real actually had a narrow 2-1 win on aggregate for their knockout stage campaign. The meeting between these two teams is on April 10, 2024, at 3:00 AM (GMT+8).
Manchester City
Real Madrid have conceded only one goal in their last five matches on their own turf in all tournaments. However, reigning champions Man City have shown their attacking prowess on the road throughout 2024, scoring three goals in each of their eight Champions League matches so far in 2023-24. City has the second-longest winning streak in the history of the Champions League at 10 matches and an overall unbeaten sequence in the competition stands at 21 since a 3-1 loss away to Real Madrid in 2022. They have avoided defeat in each of their last 25 games in all competitions, winning 11 of their last 12 away from the Etihad. Man City’s 10-match winning sequence in the Champions League began with last May’s 4-0 home crushing of Real Madrid.
Man City’s defenders have been struggling, with Josko Gvardiol making the squad for the first leg of the Premier League match against Crystal Palace. Kyle Walker, who has a hamstring injury, is not expected to play in the first leg. Manuel Akanji, who proved his competence, is expected to start from the start.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid is poised to take the crown from Manchester City. The La Liga champions have a 13-match unbeaten streak across all competitions. This includes a two-legged victory over RB Leipzig in the Champions League last 16. The hosts, led by Carlo Ancelotti’s Blancos, have emerged victorious from their last 11 Champions League quarter-final contests and have a three-game La Liga winning streak, netting 10 goals against Celta Vigo, Osasuna, and Athletic Bilbao. With a nine-day break since a 2-0 defeat of Barcelona, Los Blancos aim to extend their incredible streak without defeat at home, standing at 26 matches since Villarreal’s 3-2 triumph in April 2023. This will help them secure a spot in Manchester rather than pursue a win. The hosts will be looking to protect their position in the Premier League.
Eder Militao returns to Ancelotti’s squad after an ACL injury, while Thibaut Courtois and David Alaba are in the Real Madrid infirmary with knee issues. Dani Ceballos is working with the group again. Militao’s second appearance of the season was late, but Vinicius Junior is now eligible to play again.
Prediction:
Manchester City (1.5)
Odds: -0.83
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