Manchester City vs Real Madrid Betting Preview

Kick off: Tuesday, April 26, 19:45 GMT

Venue: Etihad Stadium (Manchester)

Head to Head Record

Manchester City vs Real Madrid 1-4 (2015 International Champions Cup)
Manchester City vs Real Madrid 1-1 (2011/2012 Champions League)
Real Madrid vs Manchester City 3-2 (2011/2012 Champions League)

Manchester City vs Real Madrid prediction

Having eliminated PSG in the Champions League quarter-finals, Manchester City will be looking to upset Real Madrid in the semis of the elite competition when the two teams take on each other in the two-legged tie. Los Blancos survived Wolfsburg in the previous round and they certainly face a difficult task in the clash against the big-spending Premier League team.

Fine form

Even though many people expected that PSG would defeat Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-finals, the Citizens did well to shock the Ligue 1 champions in the doubleheader. The Premier League outfit have been producing thrilling performances in the national championship of late and their fresh confidence will be tested in Tuesday’s game against Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini rested several first-team regulars in Saturday’s 4-0 win over Stoke City, but the Argentine tactician is going to field the best possible side against Real Madrid. Kun Aguero just can’t stop scoring and the team’s key player is likely to prove a handful for the opposition back line. Man City are after their fourth consecutive win at home, but Tuesday’s match against los Blancos will be anything but a walk in the park for the hosts. It is well known that the Citizens made it to the semis of the elite competition for the first time ever.

Samir Nasri is doubtful, but David Silva, Yaya Toure and Fernando should all recover in time to face Real Madrid. The likes of Kevin de Bruyne, Vincent Kompany and Fernandinho return to contention after they were rested in the Premier League match at the weekend.

Ronaldo is back!

After picking up a knock in a 3-0 win over Villarreal, Cristiano Ronaldo was forced to miss Saturday’s La Liga game against Rayo Vallecano. In his absence, Gareth Bale impressed in the local derby and helped los Blancos come from two goals behind to beat los Vallecanos. Real Madrid have been in a splendid form in the second half of the season and they will be looking to extend their winning run to six matches when they take on Manchester City in the Champions League semis. Zinedine Zidane’s men were beaten by Wolfsburg at Volkswagen Arena in their last away match in the elite competition and they must run out of the complacency they showed against the Bundesliga outfit. The good news for the fans is that Zizu can count on all of his first-team regulars for the Manchester City game and it is no surprise the La Liga giants are regarded as hot favourites to win Tuesday’s clash.

Cristiano Ronaldo is fit, while Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema should recover from minor injuries they suffered against Rayo Vallecano. Full-back Carvajal is fit as well.

Interesting Facts

• 12 goals were scored in last three meetings between the two teams
• Man City are eyeing their fourth consecutive win at Etihad Stadium
• Real Madrid scored 2+ goals in last five away fixtures in La Liga
• Ronaldo scored two goals in previous three meetings with Man City
• Real Madrid kept three clean sheets in previous five matches in the CL

Manchester City vs Real Madrid betting pick

Manchester City produced fine displays in the two-legged tie against PSG, but given that the Citizens often struggle when facing Spanish teams in the Champions League, I do not believe that there is a big value in betting on Manuel Pellegrini’s troops. Zinedine Zidane is likely to field the best possible side against Man City and the La Liga team should emerge triumphant in the first leg.

Pick: Real Madrid to win

Odds: 3/2