Manchester City vs Real Madrid, Prediction, Odds and Betting Tips 17/04/2024
Calendar icon Updated 17 Apr 09:30

Manchester City vs Real Madrid, Prediction, Odds and Betting Tips 17/04/2024

Kai Edvard Iliev Kai Edvard Iliev

Odds via Tonybet

Manchester City vs Real MadridApril 17, 2024, 3:00 PM EDT
Manchester City odds-150
Real Madrid odds+380
Draw+330
Over\Under3 -108/-110

Manchester City vs Real Madrid. Shape of the Teams

This match promises to be a spectacle – clashes between these two giants in the Champions League knockouts have never bored fans. 

Last season, the Citizes came out on top after the second tie at the Etihad (4-0), while the first leg at the Bernabeu saw a more balanced 1-1 draw. 

This season has ramped up the excitement: the first leg at the Bernabeu ended up in a 3-3 goal fest, with both Real Madrid and Manchester City exchanging blows in a relentless back-and-forth battle.

Although another high-scoring affair is not guaranteed, this second leg has everything to play for – and it’s probably one that will make the headlines.

Winning against Manchester City is tough, especially in the Premier League. Only two teams were able to defeat the Citizens – Aston Villa and Arsenal – both with narrow 1-0 victories and both away from City’s home ground.

Across the Premier League and the Champions League, Pep Guardiola’s team remains undefeated at the Etihad. Manchester City will also gladly welcome the comeback of Kyle Walker, who was unavailable in the first leg due to injury. On Madrid’s side, Tchouaméni is suspended – while Courtois and Alaba are still injured.

While Manchester City breezed past Luton Town with a 5-1 victory, Real Madrid scraped by with a slender 1-0 win against Real Mallorca thanks to Tchouaméni’s critical goal. 

The critical question is how Madrid will handle the pressure at the Etihad, where Los Blancos have historically struggled with only draws and losses. Many will remember that Madrid closed the roof in the first tie to make the Bernabéu more intimidating. So far, there’s no indication that the Citizens will counter with similar strategies at their home ground.

Manchester City vs Real Madrid Match Info

Real Madrid vs Manchester City, Odds

The betting odds favour Manchester City, and it’s easy to see why. The Citizens have entered their annual ‘terminator phase’ of the season, where they become virtually unbeatable. Their last defeat against Aston Villa dates back to last year. 

Manchester City can also count on Joško Gvardiol, whose form and reliability have improved in recent weeks – becoming a major pillar in Pep Guardiola’s defence. 

The main question is how Madrid will cope this time around. On their last visit to the Etihad, Madrid was bulldozed by Manchester City. They were too passive and gave too much space to Pep Guardiola’s team, as Bernardo Silva exploited weaknesses in Madrid’s setup, particularly targeting Camavinga at left-back – which resulted in the worst for Los Blancos. 

It seems Ancelotti has taken lessons from that debacle. Too much passivity plays right into Guardiola’s tactical setup. However, Madrid faces constraints with limited defensive options, particularly with Ferland Mendy, who has been less than stellar defensively.  With Kyle Walker returning to bolster City’s right flank, this could exacerbate Madrid’s challenges.

Nacho is expected to fill in at right center-back due to injuries and Tchouaméni’s suspension. Despite his leadership, his presence comes with many disadvantages in the defensive half-spaces, ripe for exploitation by Phil Foden and Jack Grealish – not to mention the possible inclusion of Jeremy Doku.

Manchester City’s primary goal is to keep a clean sheet. However, when Rodrygo gets into his Champions League mode, he becomes an unleashed devil, infiltrating the defence more than once. The game promises goals, but the first to do so will likely set the pace for the remainder of the clash.

Manchester City vs Real Madrid Betting Tip

Manchester City’s defence is something exceptional, especially at this stage of the season. It reminds me of the famous José Mourinho quote, “Defence wins you titles.” Nothing could better portray Manchester City’s European record. 

Only FK Crvena Zvezda was able to net more than two goals in one game during the group-stages. At the Etihad, it would be surprising to see a goal fest like at the Bernabeu.

With Foden, Grealish, and the return of Kyle Walker, everything points towards a victory for the Citizens. To add insult to injury, Pep Guardiola rotated a majority of his XI, yet the lads still went on to score five goals. 

Additionally, The first leg also missed the presence of Kevin de Bruyne, who felt unwell just before the match. If he is fit for this clash, Madrid are in for a nightmare.

Disclaimer: Odds are accurate at the time of posting and subject to change. Please verify the latest odds on our platform before betting.

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