Real Madrid v Manchester City Preview

Possible Lineup, Stats, and Odds

Real Madrid welcome the English champions to the Bernabéu for the first leg of their UCL semifinal tie. Real Madrid defeated Manchester City last season in a dramatic fashion at the Bernabéu to progress to the final. Los Blancos will be looking to repeat the trick against a different, and more efficient Manchester City team.

Team News and Possible Lineup

Real Madrid are expected to welcome Luka Modrić back into the starting XI, after managing to shake off a hamstring injury. Ferland Mendy remains a serious doubt, Dani Ceballos is out of the tie.

Real Could line up like this – Courtois; Carvajal, Rüdiger, Alaba, Camavinga; Valverde, Kroos, Modric; Rodrygo, Benzema, Vinícius Jr.

Nathan Ake is out for Manchester City after suffering a hamstring injury against Leeds over the weekend. Kyle Walker could play just to limit the impact of Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior.

City’s Possible Lineup – Ederson; Walker, Dias, Akanji; Stones, Rodri; Silva, De Bruyne, Gundogan, Grealish; Haaland.

Quick Stats

Manchester City and Real Madrid have faced each other 8 times in the Champions League. They’ve both won 3 times, with 2 draws. Manchester City have scored 13 times against Real Madrid, with 5 of those from last season’s 6-5 aggregate loss against Ancelotti’s men.

Manchester have scored 26 goals in the Champions League this season, conceding 4. Real Madrid have scored one less than city and conceded twice as much.

Betting Preview and Prediction

How will the first leg play out?
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 9, 2023

Manchester City are the favourites despite being away from home. The Citizens have been in impeccable form in the past few months. Their form has seen them overtake Arsenal in the title race, and earn a place in the FA Cup final.

City are backed @ 2.24 to win at the Bernabéu, while Real are backed @ 3.32 to beat the English Champions. A draw is @ 3.67. Taking a hint from last year’s tie, if you want to pick an over 2.5 goals odd for this match, it is @1.73.

Erling Haaland to score is also at an understandable 1.92 while Benzema, Vinicius Jnr and Rodrygo are @ 2.24, 4.40 and 5.00 respectively.