Real Madrid’s Historical Record Favors Them Against Manchester City: 12 Out of 13
After their hard-fought victory at the Etihad Stadium, many Real Madrid fans are analyzing what the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu might hold. The 1-2 win against Manchester City not only boosts confidence but also highlights a historical trend in the Champions League that favors Los Blancos.
A Nearly Perfect Record at Home
According to UEFA’s official statistics, Real Madrid has won 12 out of 13 Champions League knockout rounds when winning the first leg away from home. This pattern reinforces optimism among Madridistas, who expect their team to seal the tie at the Bernabéu.
However, past experiences remind the club and its supporters that nothing is guaranteed, especially against a team as strong as Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
The Only Slip-Up: The Ajax Nightmare in 2019
The only exception to this trend occurred during the 2018/19 season, when Real Madrid defeated Ajax 1-2 in Amsterdam but suffered a shocking 1-4 loss at home. That season was marked by instability following Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure and a turbulent managerial situation, with Julen Lopetegui, Santiago Solari, and later Zinedine Zidane all taking charge.
Ajax, led by Erik ten Hag, exploited Madrid’s vulnerabilities and eliminated them in a historic upset, sending the club into a crisis that ultimately led to Solari’s dismissal and Zidane’s return.
Learning from the Past
Despite this painful memory, Madridistas can take comfort in their club’s historical resilience. 12 out of 13 successful eliminations prove that Real Madrid knows how to close out ties at home. However, as the team prepares for the return leg on Wednesday, February 19, they must avoid overconfidence and remember that City remains a dangerous opponent.
With Vinícius, Bellingham, and a squad built for Champions League glory, Madrid has everything in place to finish the job—but history also teaches that nothing is won until the final whistle.
