Champions League preview, team news, expected lineups, how to watch on TV and prediction
Manchester City vs Madrid team news
Defender Abdukodir Khusanov, midfielder Nico Gonzalez and forward Omar Marmoush could make their European debuts for City after being added to their Champions League squad.
Centre-back Vitor Reis became the most expensive Brazilian defender in history when he arrived from Palmeiras for £29.6 million in January, but the 19-year-old has not been registered for the Champions League.
PEP 💬 We have not been consistent. What has defined us in recent years is we have been an incredible machine. We can perform well tomorrow and we can perform well in Madrid. pic.twitter.com/awzziHGRcL
— Manchester City (@ManCity) February 10, 2025
Gonzalez’s first appearance for the club lasted 22 minutes before he was withdrawn with an issue during the 2-1 FA Cup fourth-round win at third-tier Leyton Orient on Saturday, and manager Pep Guardiola hopes the Spaniard will have recovered.
Key midfielder Rodri was a surprise addition to their European squad for the knockout stage but is unlikely to return for several months as the Spain international continues his recovery from a serious knee injury.
Goalkeeper Ederson has been sidelined for City this month but could return, while centre-back Nathan Ake and winger Jeremy Doku are doubts.
Real Madrid’s list of defensive absentees lengthened during their 1-1 draw at home to Atletico Madrid in La Liga on Saturday.
Right-back Lucas Vazquez suffered a left hamstring injury, with 19-year-old midfielder Chema Andres added to their travelling party in his place.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti had already been without Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger at the back, so the majority of the visitors’ defence could be made up of players unfamiliar with their positions.
Ancelotti praised 21-year-old Raul Asencio and Aurélien Tchouameni – usually a midfielder – for their performances at centre-back against Atleti.
“For Tuesday’s game, we have to see the recovery of those who have played,” he said, appearing to hint that the likes of Ferland Mendy could also now be in contention to start. “Those who haven’t played today have an advantage to play on Tuesday.”
The situation could make it imperative that Tchouameni, Camavinga and Rudiger avoid bookings that would suspend them from the second leg.
Manchester City vs Real Madrid expected line-ups
Man City starting XI: Ortega, Nunes, Akanji, Stones, Gvardiol, Kovacic, Gundogan, Bernardo Silva, De Bruyne, Foden, Haaland
Real Madrid starting XI: Courtois, Valverde, Asencio, Tchouameni, Mendy, Camavinga, Ceballos, Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius Jr, Mbappe
How to watch Man City vs Madrid: Live stream, TV channel
Kick-off is at 20:00 UK time, with live coverage on Amazon Prime Video commencing at 18:30.
