Champions League preview and odds: Manchester City vs Real Madrid

Published on: 25/04/2016

Champions League preview and odds: Manchester City vs Real Madrid

April 26, 2016 19:45pm - Etihad Stadium

Champions League - Semi-final, first leg

First time semi-finalists Man City will face 10-time former winners Real Madrid in this mouth-watering Champions League clah on Tuesday night.

City hitting form at right time

With a run of 11 games featuring six wins, four draws and just one defeat, Manchester City are finding some form at just the right time ahead of one of the biggest games in the club`s history. Manuel Pellegrini`s men are just one step away from their second ever European final but must first overcome the challenge of the 10-time champions from Spain.

Since losing to Juventus back in September, the Sky Blues have won three of their four home games in this competition, having drawn the other. In their last home tie, they edged to a 1-0 victory over PSG to book their place in the last four of European footballs elite tournament.

Madrid eying Undécimo

While Manchester City`s recent form has been good, Real Madrid`s has been even better. The Spanish giants have won 11 of their last 12 matches in all competitions, with the only defeat coming in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Wolfsburg.

That result was the only defeat away from home in this years competition for Los Blancos, and their only defeat in their last 11 games in all competitions. While their opponents go in search of their first ever trophy at this level, the team from Madrid are aiming for their 11th success.

Team news

The home side may have to cope without the injured duo of Yaya Toure and Fernando.

Meanwhile, the visitors will be hampered by the absence of Daniel Carvajal, while Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema are both doubtful.

Recent form (All competitions)

Manchester City: WDWWW

Real Madrid: WWWWW

Betting odds and tips

Real Madrid`s chances in the first leg could rest on the fitness of Ronaldo and Benzema. With both players doubtful, Manchester City could stand a good chance of taking something from this game.

Consider the draw at 12/5 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 25/04/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (25/04/2016 13:27:02) but are subject to change.