Real Madrid host Man City for the second leg of their Champions League play-off round clash on Wednesday evening.
The latest chapter of this rivalry is a mouthwatering prospect as Los Blancos hold a slender lead over their Premier League counterparts following a dramatic win at the Etihad Stadium last week.
The two clubs have engaged in some epic European encounters in recent years, with the winner of this tie going on to win the competition in each of the last three seasons.
This is the fourth consecutive campaign the clubs have met in the Champions League, meaning we have a pretty good idea how these sides matchup. So we’ve picked out who we think are the best from both to create a combined XI from the players available to feature tonight.
Real Madrid and Man City Combined XI
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois – Real Madrid
Thibaut Courtois claims the number one shirt in our Combined XI. The big Belgian has been a wall at times for Real Madrid in recent seasons, never more so than a man-of-the-match performance in the 2022 Champions League final. In the conversation for the world’s best goalkeeper.
🚫 Stunning stop from Courtois. @thibautcourtois | #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/gPMJEGB5u5
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 29, 2022
Right-back: Federico Valverde – Real Madrid
Options are in short supply at right-back, with Real Madrid enduring an injury crisis defensively while Manchester City allowed Kyle Walker to leave last month. Federico Valverde could deputise at right-back for Real Madrid and, while not his favoured position, has done so excellently previously. The Uruguayan is one of Europe’s most complete players, a Swiss Army Knife of hard work, versatility and technical talent.
Centre-back: John Stones – Man City
City’s centre-backs have hardly covered themselves in glory this season, but Real Madrid’s lack of senior stars means a reshuffle is likely from the visitors. John Stones was brilliant in City’s must-win fixture against Club Brugge last time out in this competition and integral to their run to Champions League success in 2023. City need him back at his best, with Stones helping exert a control that has been lacking this season.
Centre-back: Ruben Dias – Man City
Ruben Dias returned at the weekend in a big boost to the Blues. City have certainly felt his absences this season, with Dias a defender of determination and steel. A leader in this side, he takes the second centre-back berth ahead of Real Madrid’s emerging Raul Asencio.
Left-back: Josko Gvardiol – Man City
A largely positive performer in an otherwise disappointing season. Gvardiol is a menace as an attacking outlet from left-back and has helped himself to five goals this season. In last season’s tie, he blasted in a brilliant effort from distance at the Bernabeu.
Midfield: Eduardo Camavinga – Real Madrid
Manchester City’s ageing midfield has been their Achilles this season. How Pep Guardiola would want a player in Eduardo Camavinga’s mould. The Frenchman is tenacious in his defensive work, covers the ground, and mature in possession. It’s easy to forget that Camavinga, who ranks in the top four percent of midfielders in Europe for tackles per game, is still just 22.
Midfield: Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid
After a slow start to the season, Jude Bellingham has found his form. He has 12 goal involvements in his last 14 La Liga appearances and is up to double figures for both goals and assists in all competitions. A marauding midfield force, he will want to stamp his mark on the occasion just as he did by scoring the winning goal at the Etihad.
Right-wing: Omar Marmoush – Man City
For as good as Rodrygo has been for Real Madrid, we cannot ignore the sensational Omar Marmoush. Before joining City in January, the Egyptian had registered 15 goals and nine assists in the Bundesliga for Eintracht Frankfurt. This past weekend he demonstrated the kind of impact he can have in the Premier League, scoring the first hat-trick of his career as City trounced Newcastle United 4-0 at home.
Left-wing: Vinicius Junior – Real Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti continues to call Vinicius Junior the world’s finest footballer, and in this competition, he’s been in a league of his own in recent seasons. He’s arguably the most entertaining talent in the game and among the most effective. The Brazilian has 42 goals and assists in his last 42 Champions League appearances.
Forward: Erling Haaland – Man City
Still just 24 years of age, Erling Haaland will already have the Champions League goal record in his sights. The Norwegian has scored an astonishing 49 goals in 48 appearances, putting him in the competition’s all-time top 10 scorers. Should he score against Real again, he will become the youngest and quickest player to 50 goals in the Champions League.
Haaland's first goal against Real Madrid ⚽#UCL pic.twitter.com/l9yYV6thud
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 17, 2025
Forward: Kylian Mbappe – Real Madrid
It was only a matter of time before Kylian Mbappe caught fire at Real Madrid. After receiving heavy scrutiny early in the season, the marquee man has been in brilliant goalscoring form of late. He is gunning for Robert Lewandowski in the race for the Pichichi Trophy after scoring eight goals in his last six La Liga appearances. The World Cup also scored against Man City last week as he seeks to add that elusive Champions League title to his silverware collection.
Read – Five moments that have defined Manchester City and Real Madrid’s rivalry
See Also – Real Madrid vs Man City match preview and team news
Follow The Football Faithful on Social Media:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok
