How many times Real Madrid has beaten Manchester City, the European classic
Real Madrid is already trying to move past their defeat against Celta and shift their focus to Manchester City. This Wednesday, the two sides will meet at the Bernabéu in what has become Europe’s newest classic. Gone are the days when Liverpool or Bayern Munich dominated the spotlight—City has taken their place as the club most frequently intertwined with Madrid’s recent European history.
Xabi Alonso will make his debut in this managerial rivalry against Guardiola, but he’ll need to dive into the archives. Their matchups have delivered everything—from drama to unforgettable battles. Here’s a recap of their history and how many times Real Madrid has beaten Manchester City.
How Many Times Has Real Madrid Beaten Manchester City?
Looking at the overall record, Real Madrid holds a slight advantage. Los Blancos have won 5 times, compared to 4 victories for the English side, along with 5 draws. With such a tight balance, Manchester City will be eager to level the head-to-head.
The First Ever Real Madrid – Manchester City Clash
These encounters have formed a modern rivalry. Including all matches before this Wednesday’s meeting, the teams have faced each other 14 times. The first showdown came in the 2012–2013 Champions League group stage.
They drew 1–1 at the Etihad, while Madrid won 3–2 at the Bernabéu. This remains the only time they met outside a knockout round.
A Narrow Win on the Road to La Undécima
In the semifinals of the 2015–2016 season, Madrid and City met again. After a 0–0 draw in Manchester, the second leg at the Bernabéu was decided by a single moment: an own goal by Fernando, giving Real Madrid the push they needed toward their 11th European Cup.
Manchester City’s First Joy
City’s first-ever victory over Real Madrid came in a pandemic-affected 2020 knockout round. They won 1–2 in the first leg and repeated their superiority with a 2–1 win in the return match, eliminating Madrid in the round of 16.
Rodrygo the Hero in the First of the Recent Duels
Since the 2021–2022 season, the clubs have met at least once per campaign. In the semifinals, Guardiola’s side won 4–3 in the first leg. But just when City felt they had secured their spot in the final, Rodrygo scored twice in stoppage time, sending the tie to extra time. Madrid completed the comeback with a 3–1 win.
City’s Revenge
A year later, again in the semifinals, Manchester City got their revenge. After a 1–1 draw at the Bernabéu, they dominated at the Etihad with a crushing 4–0 victory—their biggest win over Real Madrid to date.
Lunin, the Unexpected Hero
Following a 3–3 first leg, City tried to use home advantage in the 2023–2024 quarterfinals. But the match ended 1–1, leading to a penalty shootout. Andriy Lunin became the surprise hero, saving two penalties and sending Real Madrid through.
Mbappé Destroys Guardiola
Last season, they met again in the playoff round for a place in the last 16. Madrid were far superior, winning 2–3 away and then dismantling City 3–0 at home, thanks to a Mbappé hat-trick.
