Manchester Real Madrid arrives with a comfortable 3-0 lead achieved in the first leg at Santiago Bernabéu, where Federico Valverde scored a decisive hat-trick. The Merengue team, led by Álvaro Arbeloa, seeks to manage the result to advance to the quarter-finals, despite important absences in the squad.
The absence of Rodrygo represents one of the biggest impacts for Real Madrid in this confrontation. The Brazilian striker suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and lateral meniscus in his right knee during the defeat to Getafe, on March 2. Ele underwent successful surgery and is now beginning a long recovery process, estimated at 10 to 12 months, which takes him out of not only this tie, but the entire season and Copa of Mundo in 2026 with the Brazilian team.
Where to watch live and stream online
The match will be broadcast live on Brasil on SBT, TNT and HBO Max, with narration options and specialized comments. Torcedores in other countries access via official UEFA platforms or streaming services with competition rights. The game starts at 8pm Manchester local time, equivalent to 5pm Brasília time.
Tickets for Etihad Stadium were sold quickly through official Manchester City channels, with high demand for the eliminatory duel and sold out sectors in several areas.
Probable lineup of Manchester City
Manchester City must line up Donnarumma in goal, with a defense formed by Matheus Nunes, Rúben Dias, Marc Guéhi and Rayan Aït-Nouri. Rodri commands the midfield alongside Bernardo Silva and Nico O’Reilly, while the attack has Rayan Cherki, Erling Haaland and options such as Semenyo to put pressure on the opposing defense from the opening minutes.
The English team needs a historic performance to reverse the aggregate score. Haaland remains the main offensive reference, with a record of goals in decisive European games. The team has had mixed results recently, but is counting on the support of the fans to force extra time or a turnaround.
Probable lineup of Real Madrid
Real Madrid enters the field with Courtois in goal, Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right flank, Antonio Rüdiger and Dean Huijsen in defense, as well as options on the left. In the middle, Federico Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Arda Güler organize the game, with Brahim Díaz and Vinícius Júnior in attack to explore counterattacks.
The club is dealing with multiple injury absences, including Rodrygo (ACL and meniscus), Dani Ceballos, Éder Militão, David Alaba and Ferland Mendy. Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham also remain out or in doubt, forcing tactical adjustments. Valverde and Vinícius Júnior play central roles in the search for classification.
Rodrygo’s matchup history and impact
Rodrygo has an outstanding record against Manchester City in Champions League. In previous editions, he scored decisive goals, including historic comebacks with two goals in the final minutes that took Real Madrid to the final. Sua current absence changes the merengue offensive balance, especially in quick transitions.
In the last five games for each team in all competitions, Manchester City alternates wins and draws with a focus on recovery, while Real Madrid maintains a positive streak despite the losses. The clash reinforces the intense rivalry between the clubs in the knockout stages.
Arbitration and weather forecasting
Clément Turpin, from França, referees the match with a team experienced in high-level European games. The referee has a record of balanced decisions in Champions qualifiers.
In Manchester, the forecast indicates partially cloudy skies with temperatures between 9°C and 10°C, a chance of light rain and moderate wind. Conditions may affect the pitch and the pace of play at Etihad Stadium.
Curiosities and top scorers of the competition
Erling Haaland remains among the top scorers in the Champions season, with important goals for City. Pelo Real Madrid, Vinícius Júnior and Federico Valverde contribute significant numbers in decisive phases, compensating for the lack of Rodrygo in attack.
The duel highlights the resilience of Real Madrid without key pieces like Rodrygo, while Manchester City seeks an epic comeback. The match promises high intensity, with a focus on solid defense and exploited opportunities.
