JAKARTA - In the exciting first leg of the Champions League playoffs between Real Madrid and Manchester City, Los Blancos managed to bring home a narrow 3-2 advantage from the Etihad Stadium. Now, both teams will face off again in the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 or Thursday morning WIB. This match is predicted to be a fierce battle between the two European giants who are both ambitious to advance to the next round.
Real Madrid, who had been left behind twice in the first leg, showed the mentality of their champions by turning things around and winning 3-2. The decisive goal was scored by Jude Bellingham, who ensured his team's last-minute victory. This victory is a valuable asset for Los Blancos to advance to the round of 16, where they will face the winner between Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen.
However, Real Madrid's performance in La Liga has recently been less than encouraging. They failed to win in the last three games, including a 1-1 draw against Osasuna on weekends. The referee's controversy was also in the spotlight after Bellingham was sent off for protests. This situation makes the pressure even greater for Carlo Ancelotti and his team, especially as Barcelona have the opportunity to take over the top of the La Liga standings.
On the other hand, Manchester City came to Bernabeu on a mission to turn things around. Despite losing in the first leg, Pep Guardiola's side showed signs of revival by destroying Newcastle United 4-0 in the Premier League. Omar Marmoush starred by scoring a hat trick in 33 minutes, while James McAtee closed the game with a fourth goal.
However, City's poor record in Europe is a challenge in itself. They have lost their last three away games in the Champions League, Guardiola's worst record during his career. However, City has a record scoring goal in 15 consecutive games in all competitions, including the last seven away games.
Carlo Ancelotti received good news with the return of Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba, who missed the first leg due to injury. Both have been fully trained and are predicted to appear in this match. However, Lucas Vazquez is still recovering from a hamstring injury, while Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal are still missing due to knee problems.
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With Rudiger's return, Ancelotti has the opportunity to play Aurelien Tchouameni in the midfield position. Jude Bellingham, who was sentenced to a ban from playing in La Liga, could still appear in the Champions League.
Pep Guardiola also received positive news with the return of Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake, who were absent due to muscle problems. Jack Grealish also has the opportunity to appear after suffering a groin injury in the first leg. However, Manuel Akanji was confirmed absent due to abductor injury, joining Oscar Bobb (package) and Rodri (ACL) in the treatment room.
Erling Haaland, who scored twice in the first leg, will make history if he manages to score his 50th goal in the Champions League. He will be the youngest and fastest player to reach that record.
This match is predicted to be fierce with both teams attacking each other. Real Madrid has the advantage of playing at home and a brilliant historical record in the Champions League. However, Manchester City has individual qualities and a team that can turn things around.
This match not only determines who will advance to the next round, but also a place to prove two of Europe's best teams. Who will survive and who will have to go home early? Everything will be answered at the Bernabeu Stadium later.
Real Madrid:Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rudiger, Mendy; Camavinga, Tchouameni; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappe
Manchester City:Ederson; Nunes, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol; Gonzalez; Savinho, Silva, De Bruyne, Marmoush; Haaland
Final Score Prediction: Real Madrid 2-1 Manchester City (Aggregate 5-3)
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