Manchester City vs Real Madrid, football fixtures do not come much bigger.
It is a match worthy of the Champions League final but this time around, the European giants are battling for a place in the Round of 16.
And Rodri’s recent Ballon d’Or victory at the expense of Vinicius Junior has only served to make this even more of a rival contest.
So, join NetBet as we preview a Champions League classic in the making, with tips for your football bets.
And if you are looking to place a bet on Manchester City vs Real Madrid, our Bet Builder feature allows you to combine multiple selections and boost your odds.
Manchester City vs Real Madrid Preview
Both of these sides were victorious in their final League Phase matches. City beat Club Brugge 3-1 to secure a play-off spot, while Los Blancos defeated Brest 3-0 away from home.
Last weekend, Pep Guardiola’s side bounced back from a 5-1 defeat at Arsenal with a 2-1 win at Leyton Orient to reach the FA Cup Fifth Round.
However, defensive frailties were on show once again and January signing Nico Gonzalez had to leave the field with a hip injury, although there is some hope the midfielder will be fit enough to at least make the squad.
But Real’s array of attackers will surely be licking their lips at the prospect of facing a City side seemingly unable to deal with counterattacks and transitions.
Kylian Mbappe also appears to have found his feet in a Los Blancos shirt, the Frenchman’s 16th La Liga goal of the season earning his side a point in last Saturday’s Madrid derby against Atletico.
However, City should be buoyed by the fact that Real are in the midst of a defensive injury crisis.
Lucas Vazquez has joined an extensive list of absentees, one which includes Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba, Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal.
A well-rested Erling Haaland, who missed the cup tie against Orient, could have a field day against Carlo Ancelotti’s makeshift defence.
These two sides met in the Champions League quarter-finals last season, with Real eventually progressing courtesy of a penalty shootout victory at the Etihad.
Manchester City vs Real Madrid Odds
*All odds are subject to change
The aforementioned defensive injuries are perhaps why Real are significant underdogs at odds of 2.86. City are priced at 2.28 and the draw is 3.82.
Manchester City vs Real Madrid Betting Tips
Manchester City first scorer – Erling Haaland @ 2.60
With Real’s defence resembling that of a wounded army, we cannot see how City do not score at least once. And whenever the Citizens strike, Haaland is usually the man responsible.
Real Madrid first scorer – Kylian Mbappe @ 3.00
And City’s inability to keep a clean sheet these days leads us to believe Real will score at least once. Mbappe has scored three times in the Champions League this season and will be desperate to improve that record at the Etihad.
Over 3.5 goals in the match @ 2.12
We really could be set for a thriller at the Etihad. The attacks are at full strength, while both defences are not at the peak of their powers. That spells goals and if you think there will be over 4.5 of them, the selection is priced at 3.40.
When you choose NetBet Sport, you can enjoy a whole range of top-quality sports and markets. Whatever you choose, always remember to bet responsibly. Here at NetBet, player wellbeing is our number one priority – check out our Responsible Gambling tips and tools page for more information. When the fun stops, stop.
