Real Madrid vs Manchester City Match Prediction, Fantasy Football Tips and Possible Starting Lineups

After their electrifying 3-2 victory over Manchester City in the first leg of the Champions League playoffs, Real Madrid now have their sights set on finishing the job at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu. With the stakes sky-high and both teams known for their never-say-die attitude, the anticipation for this clash is through the roof. Fans are eagerly waiting to see how the latest chapter of this ‘modern Clásico’ unfolds – will Madrid hold their ground, or will City flip the script?

Holding a narrow one-goal advantage, Los Blancos have the upper hand, but Pep Guardiola’s City side won’t go down without a fight. That said, even Pep Guardiola himself admitted that his side has just a "1% chance" of knocking out Los Blancos and progressing to the next round. Not exactly the most confidence-boosting statement from your manager, right? But let’s not forget – Guardiola has honed his craft going toe-to-toe with some of football’s greatest tacticians, including the master of mind games himself, José Mourinho. So, could this be another classic Pep psychological trick to fire up his players? It wouldn’t be surprising. On the bright side for City, the squad is getting a timely boost with Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, and Jack Grealish all back in the mix. However, history isn’t on their side – City have never overturned a Champions League tie when trailing after the first leg. If there was ever a time to change that narrative, it’s now. 

For Real Madrid, this match is more than just about advancing—it’s a chance to make up for their underwhelming ‘league phase’ campaign, where they shockingly finished outside the top eight. Knocking out Manchester City would not only restore some pride but also set up a blockbuster last-16 showdown, possibly against city rivals Atlético Madrid or Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen. But first, they have to take care of business at the Santiago Bernabéu. 

Carlo Ancelotti has received a timely boost with Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba returning to full fitness, strengthening Madrid’s backline just when it matters most. On top of that, the attacking trio of Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Júnior are all hitting top form at the perfect moment. However, there is some off-field drama brewing – Bellingham is facing a lengthy 12-match domestic suspension for verbally abusing a referee in Real’s recent 1-1 draw against Osasuna. The good news for Madrid? That ban doesn’t apply to the Champions League, so he’ll be ready to go tonight. 

Real Madrid vs Manchester City – Match Date, Time and Venue 

Date: 20th February 2025            

Time: 1:30 AM (IST)       

Stadium: Santiago Bernabeu 

Location: Madrid, Spain 

Real Madrid’s Possible Starting XI 

Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rudiger, Mendy; Camavinga, Tchouameni; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappe. 

Manchester City’s Possible Starting XI 

Ederson; Nunes, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol; Gonzalez; Savinho, Silva, De Bruyne, Marmoush; Haaland. 

Real Madrid vs Manchester City Fantasy Team 

Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois (Real) 

Defenders: Aurelien Tchouameni (Real), Antonio Rudiger (Real), Josko Gvardiol (City) 

Midfielders: Phil Foden (City), Jude Bellingham (Real), Kevin De Bruyne (City), Federico Valverde (Real) 

Forwards: Kylian Mbappe (Real), Erling Haaland (City), Vinicius Junior (Real) 

Real Madrid vs Manchester City – Fantasy Team Captain and Vice-Captain 

Choice 1: Vinicius Junior (C), Kylian Mbappe (VC)  

Choice 2: Erling Haaland (C), Phil Foden (VC)  

Disclaimer:  

The author has provided you with the above-mentioned match prediction on the basis of his research, understanding, and analysis, consider the points and make your own decision.