UEFA Champions League 2025/26: Real Madrid vs Manchester City Preview, Prediction, TV channels & Predicted Lineup
Europe's modern-day classic returns to the Bernabéu. A heavily depleted Real Madrid faces an in-form Manchester City, with the hosts banking on their historic pedigree to survive a massive injury crisis.
Match Facts
This is the fifth consecutive season these giants have met in the knockout rounds; across 15 total encounters, both sides are deadlocked with 5 wins each and 5 draws.
Real Madrid are without Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, and David Alaba. The burden of attack falls almost entirely on Vinícius Júnior.
The Cityzens are unbeaten in their last 11 matches (W9, D2) and previously defeated Madrid 2–1 at the Bernabéu during this season’s league phase.
Despite their struggles, Real Madrid have lost only 3 of their last 25 home matches in the Champions League, proving their resilience on the big stage.
Predicted Lineup
Real Madrid: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Tchouameni, Camavinga; Guler; G. Garcia, Vinicius Jr
Manchester City: Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Guehi, Ait-Nouri; Bernardo, Rodri, O’Reilly; Semenyo, Haaland, Marmoush
Prediction of AI
Real Madrid’s current injury list is staggering, potentially stripping them of their most clinical finishers and creative engines. While Álvaro Arbeloa will look to frustrate City and strike on the counter via Vinícius, Pep Guardiola’s side arrives in near-perfect health and tactical rhythm. City’s ability to control the midfield through Rodri and Bernardo Silva should eventually wear down a makeshift Madrid defense, though the Bernabéu's "mystique" often finds a way to keep things level.
Predicted Score: Real Madrid 1–2 Manchester City
Kick Off Time?
Competition: UEFA Champions League (Round of 16, 1st Leg)
Kick-off (GMT): 20:00, Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Stadium: Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid
How to Watch in the UK and US?
United Kingdom: The match will be televised live on TNT Sports 1 and Prime Video, with streaming available via the discovery+ app.
United States: Live coverage is available on Paramount+ (English) and ViX or TUDN (Spanish).
Live stream Real Madrid vs Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League for free with Livesports808+.
