Real Madrid and Manchester City meet in the Champions League tonight, two teams who have regularly gone head-to-head in this competition in recent years.
Two of the most talented teams in Europe collide, but which stars have made our Combined XI?
Real Madrid vs Manchester City – Combined XI
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois – Real Madrid
Thibaut Courtois claims the gloves in our side, ousting Gianluigi Donnarumma in the battle of the goalkeepers.
The big Belgian is a colossal presence for Real Madrid and has been a key part of Champions League triumphs in 2022 and 2024. If Los Blancos are to go far again, he’ll be key.
What a save from Courtois! 😱
AthleticRealMadrid | LALIGAHighlights pic.twitter.com/txVKR19gc9
— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) December 3, 2025
Right-back: Federico Valverde – Real Madrid
With recognised right-backs out, Federico Valverde continues to deputise for Real Madrid. Fortunately for the Spanish side, the Uruguayan dynamo is one of the most well-rounded footballers in the game. With endless energy and drive, he’s the Swiss Army Knife type of talent that managers love to call upon.
Centre-back: Ruben Dias – Manchester City
There are signs that Ruben Dias is getting back to his best this season. No Manchester City defender since 2022 has won more aerial duels per game than Dias is achieving this season, while his success rate of over 60% is his best across that same period. A real leader in a new era for the Citizens.
Centre-back: Josko Gvardiol – Manchester City
Slotting in alongside Dias is his City centre-back partner. The Croatian has been moved into a central role and has all the attributes required of a modern centre-back. Aggressive, athletic, comfortable on the ball, and a goal threat.
Joško Gvardiol’s stats in the Premier League are better than most midfielders (and even some strikers!) 😅👏 pic.twitter.com/qO2XXJdCwO
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) December 7, 2025
Left-back: Alvaro Carreras – Real Madrid
A revelation this season after returning to Real Madrid. The former academy product has taken a winding road back to the first team, but looks there to stay now.
Carreras leads La Liga for progressive passes and touches this season, and ranks third for interceptions. He’s not yet the finished article, but the promise is clear.
Midfield: Aurelien Tchouameni – Real Madrid
In the absence of the injured Rodri, anchoring our combined midfield is Aurelien Tchouameni. The Frenchman’s work can be overlooked amid a collection of attacking stars at the Bernabeu, but his role brings balance to the side.
He ranks in the top 10% of midfielders across Europe’s big leagues for pass completion, interceptions, clearances and aerial duels won per 90.
🇫🇷 Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid, 25)
🎖️ 99th percentile for forward pass %
🎖️ 94th percentile for duels won %
🎖️ 93rd percentile for forward passes
🎖️ 85th percentile for progressive passes👉 https://t.co/NEd9z6F5mO pic.twitter.com/P7nT67eSyb
— DataMB (@DataMB_) December 4, 2025
Midfield: Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid
Few players roll into Real Madrid and make the impact Jude Bellingham has. The midfielder hit the ground running in his debut season, emerging as a fan favourite in arguably the most demanding environment in the game.
The midfielder is all action and so often clutch, with his ability to decide big games – at key moments – something City will be wary of.
Right-wing: Phil Foden – Manchester City
Phil Foden is purring right now and looking very similar to the player who was crowned PFA Player of the Year two seasons ago.
He’s hit five goals in his last three league games, including a last-gasp winner to sink Leeds and a fabulous hit from distance at Fulham. He’s back.
Highest rated players in the Premier League this season:
🥇 7.81 – Erling Haaland
🥈 7.39 – Phil Foden
🥈 7.39 – Jeremy Doku pic.twitter.com/bhljyZOuoy— WhoScored (@WhoScored) December 8, 2025
Left-wing: Vinicius Junior – Real Madrid
A real full-back’s nightmare, Vinicius Junior’s explosivity one-vs-one has given even some of world football’s best defenders sleepless nights.
Kylian Mbappe’s arrival might have nudged him away from main-man status, but the Brazilian’s brilliance is still a real weapon for the Spanish side. He can blow a game open at any stage.
Forward: Erling Haaland – Manchester City
Two of football’s finest forwards – and arguably leading Ballon d’Or candidates – will do battle this evening. Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe could be set to take over the game’s biggest individual rivalry, replacing Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
The former has an absurd record in this competition, with 54 goals in 53 games. He’s an apex predator in European football.
Forward: Kylian Mbappe – Real Madrid
The best player in the world right now? It’s difficult to argue against Mbappe. An electric start to the season has seen the Frenchman fire 25 goals in 21 games, including a tournament-leading nine in the Champions League.
Kylian Mbappé has scored 𝟓𝟎 𝐆𝐎𝐀𝐋𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐘𝐄𝐀𝐑 — the first French player to do it with a top-5 European club in 𝟳𝟱 ʏᴇᴀʀs. 🇫🇷🤯 pic.twitter.com/VmPAr2mjV7
— The Football Faithful (@FootyFaithful_) November 26, 2025
At just 26, he’s already the sixth-highest scorer in UCL history and could claim the World Cup’s top-scorer status if France are successful next summer.
Read – Five moments that have defined Manchester City and Real Madrid’s rivalry
See more – The big Champions League talking points ahead of Matchday 6
