The ‘Modern Clasico’ Returns: Real Madrid and Manchester City Face Off Again
It’s here. Another clash between Manchester City and Real Madrid, this time in the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League. Who would’ve thought at the start of the season? Hardly anyone could’ve predicted it.
These two giants will meet for the fourth consecutive year, and Jorge Valdano wasn’t wrong when he labeled this fixture the “modern clásico” after last year’s quarter-final draw. He was definitely onto something.
The Most Dramatic Meeting Yet
This time, the stakes are even higher. The winner will still have a long road to the final, but for the loser, it could be a devastating blow—a massive failure in Europe’s premier club competition. Hopefully, that won’t be the case for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Like it or not, the current Champions League format means these extra knockout games are the “punishment” for a poor group stage performance.
Neither team arrives in top form. Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City is having a disastrous season—worse than Real Madrid’s. They sit fifth in the Premier League, a staggering 15 points behind Liverpool, who lead the table, despite having played one more game.
However, City has bolstered their squad during the winter transfer window, thanks to their financial power. Over in Valdebebas, nobody underestimates them despite their struggles. After their recent win against Brest, the message was clear:
“We would’ve preferred Celtic.”
The Last Two Champions Collide
You have to go back to the 2020/21 season to find a Champions League winner that wasn’t one of these two clubs—that year, Chelsea claimed the title after beating Manchester City in the final.
It’s clear that Real Madrid and Manchester City are the dominant forces of the past decade. In their last three knockout encounters, Real Madrid holds the edge. However, if you include the 2019/20 Round of 16 tie, the record stands at 2-2.
Injury Concerns for Both Sides
Both squads are dealing with significant injuries. Manchester City will be without key players like Rodri, Nico González, Nathan Aké, and Jérémy Doku. For Real Madrid, the absences include Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Rüdiger, and Lucas Vázquez.
Disciplinary issues could also play a role. Real Madrid has the most players at risk of suspension in this round: Bellingham, Camavinga, Endrick, Modric, and Tchouaméni are all one yellow card away from missing the return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu—even Ancelotti is at risk. For City, only Rúben Dias faces the same threat.
Real Madrid Has Never Won at the Etihad
The Kings of Europe have triumphed in the most iconic stadiums across the continent—but never at the Etihad Stadium. That said, last season’s penalty shootout win counts as a victory in the history books.
It was also at the Etihad where Real Madrid suffered one of their most painful defeats in recent memory: the 0-4 loss in the 2022/23 semi-finals, a result that nearly cost Ancelotti his job. However, the club stuck with him, and it turned out to be the right decision. The Italian manager now hopes to break the Etihad curse and secure an advantage for the return leg.
The Bernabéu Will Decide
The Santiago Bernabéu will have the final say in this tie—a significant advantage for Real Madrid. History shows that the stadium’s magic can be decisive, as Manchester City experienced firsthand two years ago.
The Winner Often Becomes Champion
This matchup could very well be an early final. Recent history supports this idea: the winner of the last three Real Madrid vs. Manchester City ties has gone on to lift the Champions League trophy.
While no one at Chamartín expected these two extra fixtures in an already packed calendar, there’s no shortage of motivation in the locker room. The goal is clear: secure a spot among Europe’s elite 16. That’s when the real Champions League begins—the knockout stages we’re all familiar with.
The road to Munich, where the final will be held, seems distant. But, as we know all too well:
This is Real Madrid.
And when the decisive moment arrives—anything is possible.
