Real Madrid Hosts Manchester City in Champions League Decider

Madri, Espanha — The UEFA Champions League showdown between Real Madrid and Manchester City will unfold on February 19, 2025, at 5 PM Brasília time at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. This second leg of the playoff comes after Madrid secured a thrilling 3-2 victory in the first match, leaving City in a must-win situation.

To progress, Manchester City must win by a margin of two goals, while a victory by one goal will send the match into extra time. Real Madrid, under the leadership of Carlo Ancelotti, has the advantage of advancing with a draw.

In the first leg at Etihad Stadium, Vinicius Jr. emerged as the star for Madrid, despite facing taunts from City fans. His performance, which earned him the Man of the Match title, helped solidify Madrid’s lead as the most successful club in Champions League history, boasting 15 titles.

Real Madrid’s recent form in La Liga has been less convincing, as they drew with Osasuna 1-1 over the weekend, resulting in a loss of their top position in the league. However, they aim to regain their momentum against City, who enjoyed a commanding 4-0 win over Newcastle last Sunday.

For today’s match, Ancelotti is expected to field a strong lineup that includes goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, and key players like Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Kylian Mbappé. Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola‘s Manchester City will likely start with Ederson in goal, supported by a formidable defense comprising Rúben Dias and John Stones, and will rely on star striker Erling Haaland for goals.

“We must be focused and ready for a tough battle,” Guardiola stated. “Real Madrid have a significant advantage, but we are determined to fight for every chance.” With this crucial match set to unfold, fans anticipate an electrifying encounter between the two football powerhouses.

This match will be streamed live on the Max platform, allowing fans worldwide to witness the thrilling battle for a place in the next stage of Europe’s premier club competition.