Real Madrid seeks to avenge last year’s semi-final defeat against Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
Bookmaker Pinnacle offers odds at 2.10 for Real to score in the first half, with the odds at 2.03 for City to get at least one first-half goal.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: April 8th, 3:00 P.M. (EST)
City dominated the clash over two legs 5-1 a year ago and is considered a favorite again, but Pep Guardiola’s men face an in-form team that rarely loses. Real has won 33 of 42 matches across all competitions in 2023-24, suffering only two defeats – both against Atletico Madrid.
At home, Real has put together a 27-game unbeaten streak, which includes 22 wins and 59 goals. The team has also been outstanding defensively, recording six clean sheets over the last 11 games. With Eder Militao available again, there’s even more room for improvement at the back.
Carlo Ancelotti will also have Vinicius Junior back in the lineup after he missed the last game with a suspension. The Brazilian ace has looked incredible lately, tallying six goals in his last four appearances for Real, and City won’t have Kyle Walker this time to keep him quiet.
Nathan Ake has joined Walker on the sidelines, and Pep Guardiola might also be without the services of Josko Gvardiol on Tuesday. The reigning European champions have run into a few injury issues defensively, but their immensely talented attack should make up for it.
City crushed Real last season without Erling Haaland getting a single goal, which should fuel the Norwegian star on Tuesday night in Madrid. He’s just ended a brief three-game spell without a goal in the Premier League and will be expected to lead the charge alongside Kevin De Bruyne.
De Bruyne, who scored City’s goal in last year’s 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu, was involved in three of City’s four goals in Saturday’s 4-2 victory over Crystal Palace. Health issues have kept him out for a large part of the season, but De Bruyne has played some of the best football of his career when available. Through 16 outings across all competitions in 2023-24, the Belgian midfield maestro has registered 14 assists with four goals.
Another De Bruyne masterclass would give City a good chance to defend its strong record in the head-to-head meetings with Real. Four of the previous 10 clashes between the teams have ended in City victories, with Real beating the seven-time Premier League champ on only three occasions.
