The second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals will be played in midweek, and one of the most intriguing matches will undoubtedly be the clash between Manchester City and Real Madrid. The defending champions and the 14-time champions of the tournament opened wide in the first leg, with a 3-3 score giving both teams a chance in the second leg. What kind of sparks will collide when the two strongest divisions face off again?
Manchester City thrashed Luton Town 5-1 at home in a Premier League fixture last weekend. With two title rivals, Arsenal and Liverpool, dropping points, Manchester City have risen to the top of the Premier League table after the last round of Premier League. Pep Guardiola's morale is high at the moment, and they are now unbeaten in 27 games in all competitions.
Real Madrid beat Mallorca 1-0 away in La Liga last weekend and are currently eight points clear of second-placed Barcelona in the La Liga table, allowing the team to focus more on competing for the Champions League. Real Madrid are unbeaten in 15 games in all competitions and are currently in peak form and morale.
The two teams have met in the knockout stages of the Champions League for three consecutive seasons, with the last two seasons coming in the semi-finals. Among them, in the 2021-22 season, Real Madrid eliminated Manchester City in extra time with a shocking comeback, and last season Manchester City won 4-0 in the second leg after drawing in the first leg. The winners of the last two seasons have both sides lifted the Champions League trophy that season.
The two teams have met 11 times in European history, with Manchester City scoring 20 goals and conceding 17 goals with 4 wins, 4 draws and 3 defeats. Manchester City have a record of 13 wins, 8 draws and 10 defeats against Spanish teams, including 9 wins, 3 draws and 2 defeats at home. Real Madrid's record against Premier League sides is 24 wins, 15 draws and 17 defeats, including 9 wins, 5 draws and 10 defeats away.
The match will be played on April 18 at 3 a.m. Beijing time, when the CCTV sports channel will broadcast the game live. Will Manchester City win when they return to play at home? Will Real Madrid avenge last year's exit on the road? Fans who support both teams should remember to follow this game on time.