Real Madrid vs Manchester City

Estadio Santiago Bernabeu sets the stage for the first leg of a blockbuster Champions League quarter-final tie between Real Madrid and Manchester City.

Revenge for a thumping 5-1 aggregate loss in last season’s Champions League semi-finals will be at the forefront of Real Madrid’s minds ahead of this blockbuster tie. Carlo Ancelotti’s side had a week off to rest and prepare for this encounter as he bids to avoid a home defeat against Manchester City for a third season on the trot (W1, D1). History backs Los Blancos for success, as they’ve progressed from their last 11 Champions League quarter-final ties, overcoming English opponents in the most recent three. Moreover, they’ve racked up an eye-catching 16 wins across their last 21 Champions League home outings (D3, L2), including three victories in four such fixtures this season (D1). Further confidence stems from Real Madrid’s unbeaten home record across all competitions in 2023/24 (W18, D3).

In the meantime, Manchester City eased past Copenhagen in the Champions League last 16, winning both legs via an identical 3-1 scoreline to reach the quarter-finals for the seventh season on the spin. The reigning holders will take this trip in high spirits after piecing together an incredible 25-game unbeaten run in all competitions (W21, D4), bookended by a 4-2 thrashing of Crystal Palace at the weekend. Pep Guardiola’s men are still in contention for a second successive ‘Treble,’ and going unbeaten in their last 22 European matches can only inspire further confidence within their ranks ahead of this travel. However, it’s not all rosy, considering the Citizens lament a negative away record against Spanish adversaries (W4, D3, L8). That’s partly thanks to their dismal run of one win from five previous visits to the Bernabeu (D1, L3).