Real Madrid are set to host Manchester City at the Bernabeu for the 15th Champions League clash between these European heavyweights.
Softfootball understands that things haven’t gone smoothly for Los Blancos recently, especially after that 2-0 loss to Celta Vigo in La Liga, which just underlined a season of struggles.
The club posted a video of their players preparing for the game via their official X account.
Watch the video below:
Xabi Alonso’s side sits four points behind Barcelona in La Liga and has only managed two wins in their last seven games across all competitions.
The weekend defeat also added to Real Madrid’s defensive headaches, with injuries stacking up and suspensions hitting key players.
Manchester City arrive in Madrid after a mixed Champions League start. That 2-0 home loss to Bayer Leverkusen left Pep Guardiola’s men outside the top eight in the group on goal difference, but they’ve bounced back in the Premier League with wins against Leeds, Fulham, and Sunderland.
Injuries remain a concern, though, with Mateo Kovacic and Rodri definitely out, while John Stones’ availability is uncertain.
Team News
Real Madrid’s defense continues to struggle. Eder Militao is sidelined with a hamstring injury from the Celta game, joining Dani Carvajal, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Ferland Mendy on the treatment list.
Dean Huijsen and David Alaba are racing to recover from muscle strains. Up front, Mbappé has been in fine form for Real Madrid.
Manchester City has more defensive options, though Stones’ situation is tricky. Kovacic and Rodri are out. Still, Foden, Haaland, and Cherki are expected to lead the attack, backed by a mostly fit backline.
Possible Lineups
Real Madrid: Courtois, Valverde, Asencio, Rudiger, Carreras, Tchouameni, Camavinga, Guler, Bellingham, Vinicius Jr; Mbappe.
Manchester City: Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Gonzalez, Cherki, Reijnders, Foden, Doku, Haaland
Softfootball’s Prediction
Real Madrid’s shaky backline and patchy recent form might give City the edge even away from home. Mbappe can punish gaps at the back, but City have enough firepower to match them.
Prediction: Real Madrid 2:3 Manchester City
