Two of Europe’s modern heavyweights clash at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday night as Real Madrid host Manchester City in a defining Champions League encounter.
This fixture marks the 15th time these titans have met in the competition. Consequently, it is the most-played Champions League fixture since their first clash in 2012-13. The stakes could not be higher for Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso. He finds himself under mounting pressure following a chaotic 2-0 La Liga defeat to Celta Vigo at the weekend.
In contrast, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City arrive in the Spanish capital buoyed by a three-game domestic winning streak. However, they remain eager to correct course in Europe after a surprise defeat to Bayer Leverkusen in their last outing.
Real Madrid vs Manchester City – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Wednesday, 10 December 2025
- Kick-off: 8:00 pm GMT
- Venue: Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid
- Referee: Clément Turpin (FRA)
- VAR: Jérôme Brisard (FRA)
- Last Meeting: Real Madrid 3-1 Manchester City, 19 February 2025, Champions League
Team News
Real Madrid
Xabi Alonso’s defensive resources have been decimated by injury. The crisis worsened significantly against Celta Vigo when Éder Militão suffered a hamstring injury that rules him out of this clash. He joins a crowded treatment room alongside Dani Carvajal (knee) and Ferland Mendy (hamstring). Furthermore, summer signing Trent Alexander-Arnold is out until February with a thigh problem.
With David Alaba and Dean Huijsen also facing late fitness tests, Alonso is down to the bare bones at the back. However, he can call upon Álvaro Carreras and Fran García, as their weekend red cards apply only to domestic competition. In attack, Kylian Mbappé will lead the line despite a fractured finger. He is looking to add to his nine goals in five Champions League games this season.
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola has fewer injury headaches but faces uncertainty over John Stones, who missed the weekend win over Sunderland with an unspecified issue. The visitors remain without key midfield duo Rodri (thigh) and Mateo Kovačić (ankle). This leaves a gap in the engine room.
Rayan Cherki is pushing for his first Champions League start after providing two assists in the 3-0 victory over Sunderland. Erling Haaland will spearhead the attack. The Norwegian striker is aiming to snap Guardiola’s four-game winless streak against Los Blancos.
Form
Real Madrid
Real Madrid’s season has hit a turbulent patch. They sit second in La Liga, four points behind Barcelona. Sunday’s 2-0 implosion against Celta Vigo ended their perfect home record this season. Despite domestic wobbles, their European home form remains imperious. They have won 13 of their last 14 group/league phase matches at the Bernabeu. Moreover, they are currently on a 38-game scoring streak in home European matches.
Manchester City
City sit ninth in the Champions League table with 10 points. Their last European outing was a humbling 2-0 home defeat to Bayer Leverkusen. However, Guardiola’s men have responded domestically with three consecutive wins. They will need that firepower against a Madrid side they have failed to beat in their last four attempts, conceding 10 goals in the process.
Predicted Lineups
Real Madrid predicted XI: Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rüdiger, Carreras; Tchouaméni, Camavinga; Güler, Bellingham, Vinícius Jr; Mbappé
Manchester City predicted XI: Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; González; Cherki, Reijnders, Foden, Doku; Haaland
How to watch Real Madrid vs Manchester City?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate. Coverage starts at 7:00 pm GMT.
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