The clash between Real Madrid and Man City is the highlight of the Champions League round of 16, with the two sides facing each other in the first leg at 3:00 AM on March 12th at the Bernabeu.
Real Madrid were aiming for their 16th Champions League title, but their journey this season was far from smooth. "Los Blancos" finished only 9th in the group stage and had to compete in the play-offs to reach the round of 16. Despite this, coach Alvaro Arbeloa's team still managed to overcome Benfica with a 3-1 aggregate score, extending their streak of 23 consecutive seasons reaching the round of 16.
Having suffered a defeat in the Spanish Super Cup and an early exit from the Copa del Rey, Real Madrid has also displayed a rather inconsistent performance in La Liga, going from leading the league to falling behind their arch-rivals Barcelona in just a few weeks. The Champions League is now the last hope for the "Los Blancos" in a season that has been so turbulent.
Real Madrid (right) will find it difficult to avenge their group stage defeat against Man City. (Photo: UEFA)
Real Madrid suffered significant personnel losses ahead of the most important match of the season, with key players such as Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, and Eder Militao missing.
The Bernabeu is also a crucial source of morale, having witnessed Real Madrid win 4 out of 5 Champions League matches this season. Real's biggest hope is probably Vinicius Jr., who has scored 7 goals in 10 matches against Manchester City. There are currently reports that the Brazilian star's next destination could be the Etihad Stadium, as negotiations for a new contract between him and Real Madrid are facing difficulties.
Meanwhile, Man City travel to Madrid in a more favorable position, having already secured direct qualification to the knockout round, and being the only team to beat Real 2-1 at their home ground, the Bernabeu, thanks to goals from Erling Haaland and Nico O'Reilly. Man City's form is quite stable, with an unbeaten record in their last 11 away games, including reaching the League Cup final and securing a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
In his 190th Champions League match as a manager, equaling Sir Alex Ferguson's record, no one doubted Pep Guardiola's determination to win and gain an advantage going into the second leg next week at the Etihad.
With a nearly full-strength squad and superior form, Man City are perfectly capable of conquering the Bernabeu once again.
Matches on the morning of March 12th:
0:45 AM: Bayer Leverkusen - Arsenal.
3 PM: Bodo/Glimt - Sporting; PSG - Chelsea.