Manchester City vs Real Madrid: Champions League Preview and Predictions

Real Madrid take on Manchester City in the Champions League as two of the biggest clubs in Europe fight for a spot in the round of 16.

In what is a final-worthy matchup, Real Madrid and Man City were drawn against each other in the knockout playoff round given their finishes in the league phase. Real Madrid finished 11th while Man City finished 22nd, context-wise, a disappointment for both teams. Coming into the league phase, both were expected to finish in the top eight and earn that coveted bye. After disappointing results early on in the competition, both sides must play each other now early on in the bracket.

Real Madrid should be favored to go through given the team's recent form. Since losing the Spanish Super Cup final to Barcelona, Real Madrid has won five games in a row scoring at least three goals in each game. Before they travel to the Etihad Stadium for the first leg, Real Madrid must play Espanyol and Atletico Madrid in La Liga and Leganes in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals.

For Man City, winning the tie over two legs might be the boost the team needs to get back on track. Losing Rodri earlier in the season to a torn ACL derailed Man City's league campaign heavily. Pep Guardiola's team is 12 points back of Liverpool in the Premier League title race and it looks a potential fifth straight title is out of reach. Still, defeating Real Madrid could give the side heaps of confidence in making a deep run and potentially lifting their second Champions League trophy in three seasons.

PREDICTION: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE @1.42

TOTAL ODDS= 7.70