Manchester City vs Real Madrid Betting News, Odds, Preview
Powerhouses Meet in Blockbuster Champions League Semifinal
Clash of Titans as Manchester City Faces Real Madrid
A momentous UEFA Champions League tie will get underway Tuesday as Manchester City hosts Real Madrid. Some of the biggest names in soccer will be in action as Kevin de Bruyne’s Citizens face off against a Real Madrid side led by Luka Modric and Karim Benzema.
Manchester City is favored to advance to the final after two legs but Real Madrid won’t make things easy. We’ll cover all of the latest Man City vs Real Madrid betting news right here at Point Spreads.
Manchester City vs Real Madrid Betting News
- Location: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England
- Date & Time: Tuesday 3 p.m. ET
- TV: Paramount+, TUDN
Head-to-Head
Last Five Meetings:
- Aug 2020: Man City 2-1 Real Madrid
- Feb 2020: Real Madrid 1-2 Man City
- May 2016: Real Madrid 1-0 Man City
- Apr 2016: Man City 0-0 Real Madrid
- Nov 2012: Man City 1-1 Real Madrid
Manchester City and Real Madrid met in the 2020 Champions League Round of 16 that was interrupted by the COVID pandemic. Gabriel Jesus and de Bruyne scored as Manchester City came from behind to win the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu. After a long wait, Man City won the second leg by the same scoreline.
Real Madrid are winless in three previous meetings at the Etihad Stadium since 2012. Man City manager Pep Guardiola is also 4-2 in six career matches vs Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Manchester City Eyes First UCL Crown
- Quarterfinal Results: Atletico Madrid 0-0 Man City; Man City 1-0 Atletico Madrid
- Form (All Competitions): W,W,L,D,D
- Injuries and suspensions: D John Stones (muscle), D Kyle Walker (ankle), D Joao Cancelo (disciplinary)
In the midst of a hotly contested title race vs Liverpool, Manchester City can seal a second straight English Premier League title by winning out. They made great headway over the weekend as Gabriel Jesus scored four goals in a 5-1 win over Watford. While another Premier League title would be an excellent achievement, it’s Champions League or bust for Guardiola’s men.
The Citizens have -260 UEFA Champions League semifinal odds to advance to the final for a second straight season, but they’ve never won a Champions League title. Last season, Man City were favorites to win the final over Chelsea but fell 1-0. The Citizens appear to be focused as they’ve yet to concede a goal in the knockout stage this season.
Manchester City smashed Sporting 5-0 on aggregate in the Round of 16 and eked out a 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid in the quarters over two legs. Joao Cancelo will miss this match on a yellow card suspension while fellow defenders John Stones and Kyle Walker are questionable.
Real Madrid Far From Full Strength
- Quarterfinal Results: Chelsea 3-2 Real Madrid (Added Extra Time); Real Madrid 3-1 Chelsea
- Form (All Competitions): W,W,L,W,W
- Injuries and Suspensions: D David Alaba (adductor), D Ferland Mendy (muscle), F Luka Jovic (groin), F Mariano (discomfort), M Casemiro (thigh), D Nacho Fernandez (discomfort), F Eden Hazard (ankle)
Real Madrid have nearly wrapped up the La Liga title by defeating Osasuna 3-1 on the road in their last match. Center back David Alaba scored the opening goal for Los Blancos, but he was hauled off with an injury at halftime. He’s doubtful for the first leg at Liverpool and his absence would be a massive loss. If he’s confirmed to be playing, don’t be surprised if the Man City vs Real Madrid Odds swing slightly.
Madrid are +575 underdogs but it’s hard to count them out completely with the current form of Benzema. The French striker has been a steady presence in Real Madrid’s team for more than a decade and he’s come up with big goal after big goal. He scored the goal that knocked defending UCL winners Chelsea out of the competition and has two hat tricks in his last three Champions League matches.
Modric also continues to defy father time and is still one of the best midfielders in the world at the age of 36. One of his midfield partners, Casemiro, is questionable for the first leg, which would be another huge loss for Madrid. Casemiro is the engine that makes Real tick and his defensive contributions would be missed. He joins a long injury list that could crater Madrid’s chances.
What to Watch
It’s worth staying on top of all Man City vs Real Madrid betting news in the lead-up to this game, especially concerning injuries. Without Alaba and Casemiro, Real Madrid could be on the back foot and Manchester City are certainly a team that can punish any mistakes.
Manchester City have outscored their last two opponents 8-1 and are firing on all cylinders. Whether it’s Phil Foden, Raheem Sterling, KDB, Gabriel Jesus or others putting the ball in the back of the net, City have a balanced attack that can beat teams in multiple ways.
Note that Real Madrid have conceded in all of their knockout stage matches and have given up two goals per game in their last three. Even so, Madrid have had the hardest schedule in the UCL and still managed to knock out previous favorites PSG and reigning champion Chelsea.