Man City vs Real Madrid: The UEFA Champions League is set for another epic showdown as Manchester City and Real Madrid face off for the fourth consecutive season.
This time, the European giants collide earlier than expected in the play-off round, with the first leg kicking off at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday at 10 PM CAT, live on SuperSport.
Over the past decade, this fixture has evolved into one of modern football’s greatest rivalries. Here’s a look back at five unforgettable clashes that have shaped their storied battles:
2015-16 Semifinals: Real Madrid 1-0 Man City (Aggregate)
Man City vs Real Madrid: Manuel Pellegrini’s City were on the verge of their first-ever Champions League final, but a deflected Gareth Bale cross ended their dream. After a dull 0-0 first leg in Manchester, Bale’s delivery struck Fernando and looped over Joe Hart, sealing Madrid’s place in the final.
City felt aggrieved after Lucas Vazquez escaped a red card for a foul on Raheem Sterling, but their lackluster display saw Madrid, led by Zinedine Zidane, advance to claim their 11th European crown after defeating Atletico Madrid.
2019-20 Last 16: Man City 4-2 Real Madrid
Man City vs Real Madrid: Pep Guardiola’s arrival turned the tide in City’s favor as they secured back-to-back 2-1 victories over Madrid. In February 2020, Gabriel Jesus and Kevin De Bruyne led a dramatic comeback at the Bernabeu after Isco’s opener.
The COVID-19 pandemic delayed the second leg until August, played behind closed doors. Despite Karim Benzema’s equalizer, goals from Raheem Sterling and Jesus ensured City progressed. However, their campaign ended in shock with a quarterfinal exit against Lyon.
2021-22 Semifinals: Real Madrid 6-5 Man City
Man City vs Real Madrid: One of the greatest Champions League comebacks ever saw Madrid stun City despite being dominated for most of the tie.
City led 4-3 from the first leg at the Etihad and looked set for the final after Riyad Mahrez’s goal in Madrid. But Rodrygo’s two stoppage-time goals forced extra time before Benzema’s penalty sealed a dramatic Madrid victory. The Spanish giants went on to defeat Liverpool in the final.
2022-23 Semifinals: Man City 5-1 Real Madrid
This time, City showed no mercy. After a 1-1 draw in the Bernabeu, Guardiola’s men delivered a masterclass at the Etihad.
Bernardo Silva’s brace, followed by goals from Manuel Akanji and Julian Alvarez, crushed Madrid 4-0 on the night. City went on to win their first-ever Champions League title, defeating Inter Milan in the final.
2023-24 Quarterfinals: Real Madrid 4-4 Man City (Madrid Win 4-3 on Penalties)
Man City vs Real Madrid: Madrid had their revenge in a thrilling quarterfinal. The first leg ended 3-3 in Spain, setting up a high-stakes battle in Manchester.
Rodrygo’s early goal gave Madrid a slim advantage, but De Bruyne’s equalizer saw City dominate, boasting 70% possession and 33 shots on goal. However, Madrid’s resilience forced a penalty shootout, where Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic missed as Los Blancos advanced before eventually lifting their 15th European title.
A New Chapter in the Rivalry
Man City vs Real Madrid: As Man City and Real Madrid prepare to clash once again, football fans can expect nothing less than another classic. With both clubs boasting world-class talent, will City bounce back, or will Madrid’s European dominance continue?
The battle for Champions League supremacy is far from over.