Find out everything you need to know ahead of City's first Champions League Round of 16 encounter with Real Madrid.

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Manchester City F.C.

·8 de marzo de 2026

Find out everything you need to know ahead of City's first Champions League Round of 16 encounter with Real Madrid.

WHEN AND WHERE

Pep Guardiola’s side travel to the Bernabeu on Wednesday 11 March, with the game scheduled for kick-off at 20:00 (UK).

The match will be shown live in the UK on TNT Sports 1, discovery+, discovery+ app and Amazon Prime Video. You can also keep across all of the action via mancity.com and our official app, as well as the key moments on X/Twitter: @ManCity.

OneFootball Videos

Supporters living around the world can find out how they can tune in via our global TV listings below, courtesy of liversoccertv.com.

Opposing manager - Álvaro Arbeloa

The former Spanish right-back started his playing career with Real Madrid before moving Deportivo, then joining Liverpool after half a season.

In 2009, he returned to Real Madrid where he spent seven seasons there and won eight major titles.

There was a brief spell at West Ham as he returned to the Premier League, signing with the Hammers for one season.

Arbeloa also earnt 56 caps for his national side representing them at Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 - winning all three tournaments.

The Spaniard’s career went full circle as he returned to Real Madrid once again in September 2020, being appointed manager of the under-14 side. Two years later, he progressed to the Juvenil A.

He was later promoted to the first team on 12 January 2026, following Xabi Alonso’s departure.

Pep Guardiola preview

The City boss will address the media on Tuesday 10 March from 18:00 (UK).

You can follow along live on mancity.com and our official app, with a full video and written recap available shortly after its conclusion.

Danger men

With Kylian Mbappe unlikely to be available through injury, its likely we will see homegrown attacker Gonzalo Garcia start in his place.

Garcia was rested at the weekend, with Brahim Diaz replacing him, but his presence could see him return to lead the line in attack.

The Moroccan is dangerous in counter-attacking situations and could link up well with Vinicius Junior and Arda Guler.

Vinicius Junior brings pace and unpredictability as well as bringing a new dimension to play. By hugging the touchline and stretching the defensive line he helps to create space for his teammates. He also offers a level of versatility and prove a real danger on the counter attack.

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Previous meeting

City fought back down from a goal down to secure a thrilling 2-1 victory over Real Madrid which saw us move back into the top eight of the Champions League table.

After falling behind to Rodrygo’s 28th minute strike, City roared back with first half goals from Nico O’Reilly and an Erling Haaland penalty to hold the advantage at the break.

Both sides had chances in a breathless second half but City secured a deserved win that left us fourth in the league phase table.

Last time out

City secured a place in the sixth round of the FA Cup with a 3-1 victory away to Newcastle.

After falling behind to an early Harvey Barnes strike, City hit back in style at St James’ Park.

Savinho equalised before the break before Omar Marmoush struck twice in the second half as we reached the quarter-finals of the competition for an eighth successive season.