Real Madrid vs Manchester City | Champions League Preview & Betting Tips | 10 Dec 2025

Real Madrid and Manchester City renew one of the modern great rivalries in the Champions League league phase, with both sides aiming to secure top spots for the knockouts. Recent encounters have been absolute crackers, full of goals and drama. The Bernabéu will be electric under the lights, with the home crowd in full voice and strong away support from Manchester.

Real Madrid play high-tempo, transitional football, while City dominate possession and build patiently – a clash of styles that usually delivers fireworks. We have a battle between two of the worlds top strikers in Mbappe vs Haaland.

Team news is fairly positive for both: Real Madrid have a near full squad available after recent returns from injury, while City are boosted by key players back in training ahead of this one.

Real Madrid rack up nearly 20 shots per game with 60% possession, creating high xG at 2.26 while restricting opponents to 1.14. City similar possession at 57% but lower shots, tight defensively at 1.11 xGA.

Real Madrid mixed lately with a shock home loss but strong wins in Europe, scoring well.

City on a good run with plenty of wins and clean sheets, looking solid.

Real Madrid at home: usually dominant but recent slip shows vulnerability.

City away: strong, keeping clean sheets and picking up points.

Real Madrid create more quality chances while both sides restrict well – slight edge to the hosts in attack.

Recent meetings have been thrilling: Real Madrid progressed in last season’s knockout playoffs with 3-1 home and 3-2 away wins. Before that, 3-3 and 1-1 draws in quarters, plus City’s 4-0 semi-final win – always goals and drama.

Two attacking powerhouses – expect goals. Real Madrid’s home record in Europe and recent head-to-head edge tip it their way in another cracker.

Prediction: Real Madrid 3-2 Manchester City

Main pick: Over 2.5 goals – history screams goals, both scoring freely.

Value angle: Real Madrid win – home advantage in big European nights.

Double chance: Real Madrid or draw – hard to beat at Bernabéu.

Over/under 2.5 goals: Over – screaming value.

Half-time/full-time: Draw/Real Madrid – City start strong.

Over/under 9.5 corners: Over – high shot volume.

Yellow cards prediction: Around 5 – leaning over 4.5 cards.

Here are the key numbers behind the clash – perfect for building those juicy bet builders. Good luck!