Manchester City XI vs Real Madrid – Predicted lineup and team news

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The Football Faithful

·10. Dezember 2025

Manchester City XI vs Real Madrid – Predicted lineup and team news

Manchester City travel to the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday, facing a defining test of their European credentials.

Pep Guardiola’s side aim to bounce back from a disappointing home defeat to Bayer Leverkusen in their last Champions League outing. While their domestic form recovered with three straight wins, a trip to Madrid remains the ultimate challenge.

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Crucially, City must overcome a recent mental block against the Spanish giants. Previously, they lost their last two meetings with Real Madrid. Furthermore, Guardiola has never gone five consecutive games without beating Los Blancos in his managerial career. Now, he risks setting this record on Wednesday. However, City believe they can breach Madrid’s injury-hit defence since Erling Haaland sits in prolific form against Spanish opposition.

Manchester City team news

Pep Guardiola continues to navigate a midfield injury crisis. Unfortunately, key anchor Rodri remains out with a thigh injury while an ankle problem sidelines Mateo Kovačić. Consequently, Nico González expects to retain his place at the base of the midfield.

Meanwhile, the manager faces a decision in defence since John Stones remains a doubt after he missed the weekend win. If he proves unavailable, then Nico O’Reilly could start at left-back while Josko Gvardiol moves inside.

In attack, Rayan Cherki pushes hard for a start following a starring performance against Sunderland. Potentially, he could replace Bernardo Silva or play alongside him. Finally, Erling Haaland will lead the line to add to his nine goals in nine Champions League games against Spanish teams.