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Rabat – Manchester City host Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night in the second leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie
Madrid carry a 3-0 lead from the first leg at the Santiago Bernabéu, where Madrid delivered one of their best performances of the season.
Federico Valverde was the standout player that night, scoring a hat-trick as Madrid controlled the game from midfield and punished City’s defensive mistakes.Â
Pep Guardiola’s side struggled to create clear chances, and Erling Haaland had a quiet evening before being substituted late in the match.
🚨 Kylian Mbappé, back in training with Real Madrid squad at Etihad stadium. 👀@lejournaldureal 🎥 pic.twitter.com/6fNnbTGAYv
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 16, 2026
Match Details:
- Fixture: Manchester City vs Real Madrid
- Competition: UEFA Champions League (Round of 16 – Second Leg)
- Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
- Kick-off: 8 p.m. GMT, Tuesday
- How to watch: beIN Sports (MENA); Paramount+ (USA); TNT Sports (UK)
Manchester City Team News
City come into the match needing three goals, which means they are likely to play with a much more aggressive approach than in the first leg.
Defender Josko Gvardiol is expected to miss the game with a leg injury, while Rico Lewis is also unavailable. Midfielder Mateo Kovacic has recently returned to the squad and could be involved again.
Guardiola’s biggest concern is how quiet his attack looked in Madrid. City struggled to break through Madrid’s defensive shape. For City to have a chance in this tie, they will need to move the ball more quickly and create more space around the penalty area.
Haaland remains their biggest goal threat, but much will depend on how well the midfield can control the game and supply the forwards early.
Real Madrid Team News
Madrid arrive in England with confidence after the first-leg win, though their squad is not completely healthy.
Jude Bellingham traveled with the team but is not expected to play, while Kylian Mbappe has returned to the squad after recovering from a knee problem. His availability gives Madrid another dangerous attacking option.
Defensively, Madrid were very solid in the first leg. Antonio Rudiger did an excellent job limiting Haaland, while the team stayed compact and disciplined for most of the match.
Madrid’s main strength in this tie could again be their ability to counterattack quickly. Players like VinÃcius Jr. thrive when opponents push forward, and City will likely leave more space behind their defense as they chase goals.
What to Expect
City will definitely start fast. They need at least three goals to force extra time so that the pressure will be on from the first minute.
Madrid, meanwhile, can afford to be patient. They are comfortable playing without the ball and waiting for chances on the break. If City score early, the atmosphere inside the Etihad could lift the home side quickly.Â
But if Madrid hold firm in the opening stages, the pressure may start to work against City.
Prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Real Madrid /Â Madrid advance 4-2 on aggregate.
