Real Madrid vs Manchester City Preview & Tips – Real Madrid to slump to defeat at the hands of Manchester City

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By Ben Darvill
10 Mar 2026
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Ben Darvill 10 Mar 2026
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  • Manchester City beat Real Madrid 2-1 when the pair met back in December
  • Erling Haaland scored the winner against Real in their last meeting
  • Preview, stats & head to head
Real Madrid host Manchester City in the Champions League this week (Getty Images)
Real Madrid host Manchester City in the Champions League this week (Getty Images)

Real Madrid vs Manchester City Preview & Tips 


Despite winning their last two Champions League matches, Real Madrid have looked anything but convincing in Europe this season. 

Manchester City are aiming to notch a second win over Real Madrid in a matter of months after beating their opponents 2-1 in the group stage in December. 

  • City are unbeaten in their last 11 in all competitions (W11, D2)
  • Real have lost two of their last four in all competitions (W2)
  • Erling Haaland has scored seven goals in Europe this season 

Head To Head


City have won four of their last 10 against Real, with the Spanish side winning three times and three games ending as draws after 90 minutes. 

Real Madrid Form


Despite winning five of their eight matches in the league phase of the Champions League, Real Madrid found themselves denied a top eight spot by Manchester City, with their Premier League opponents collecting one more point than them. 

Their failure to finish in the top eight came courtesy of a stunning 4-2 loss to Benfica on the road. Footballing revenge was secured soon after as Real eliminated their opponents 3-1 on aggregate across their playoff tie. 

Now, the Spanish side turn their attention to a genuine trophy contender. Despite finishing in ninth, Real will have to contend with the perceived disadvantage of a second-leg away from home, and I predict this will hurt them. 

Real have lost two of their last four in all competitions and look far from the all-conquering sides of the past. Instead, the Spanish outfit have lost three of their last seven in the Champions League, and I back them to taste defeat in the first-leg. 

Manchester City Form


Manchester City arrive for their Round of 16 clash against Real Madrid knowing that they have a huge chance to eliminate one of their main contenders for the crown at an early stage. 

Buoyed by their 2-1 win over their opponents back in December, City will be confident that they can extend an impressive 11-game unbeaten run that features nine wins. Their last two wins have been tricky victories on the road against Leeds and Newcastle. While the standard of the pair is not in the same bracket as Real, City will likely see passing these two tests as a positive omen. 

Erling Haaland has not been at his best of late, but he arrives as one of the top scorers in Europe with seven goals. After netting the winner against Real back in December, I predict that the forward will get on the scoresheet in this one as Real are handed a damaging loss. 

Verdict

I am backing Haaland to find the back of the net as City secure an important win over Real in Spain.

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Best Bet2: Manchester City Match Winner @105.00 at Stake.com - 1 Unit
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