Real Madrid vs Manchester City: UEFA Champions League Predictions & Betting Tips 19/02/2025
Real Madrid have one foot in the UEFA Champions League last 16 after Jude Bellingham’s late winner at the Etihad sealed a dramatic 3-2 victory over Manchester City in the first leg of their play-off.
With the Spanish giants progressing in 37 of their last 39 knockout ties after winning the first leg, Los Blancos will be confident they can finish the job in Wednesday’s second leg at the Bernabeu.
However, Real’s defence remains a real concern, particularly at home, where they’ve conceded in five of their last six matches, and with just one goal separating the sides, they’ll need to tighten up to ensure safe passage. That said, Madrid’s counter-attacking threat is a huge weapon, and with Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, and Mbappe all capable of bursting forward at speed, they will be lethal whenever City inevitably commit men forward.
Vinicius Jr., in particular, is one to watch. He was instrumental in the first leg, setting up the winning goal, and has seven goals in seven UCL appearances this season. If City afford him space, he’ll punish them again.
Every time Manchester City lost the first leg of a Champions League knockout tie, they’ve failed to turn it around, exiting on all four occasions. Overturning a deficit at the Bernabeu is as tough as it gets, especially against the record winners and reigning champions, but given Real’s struggles to keep clean sheets at home, City will feel they have a fighting chance if their attack clicks.
That makes Erling Haaland absolutely vital to their hopes. The Norwegian has 19 Premier League goals and eight in the Champions League this season. He scored twice in the first leg and will be City’s biggest weapon as they push for a comeback.
City’s best-case scenario is forcing extra time with a one-goal win, given the away goals rule is no longer in play. However, Real looked the stronger side for much of the first leg, and in front of their home fans, they’ll back themselves to see this through.
Betting Tip: Goal/Goal; Over 2.5 Goals; Vinicius Jr. to Score or Assist
19/02 21:00 Real Madrid – Manchester City Goal/Goal @ 1.32; Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.32; Vinicius Jr. to Score or Assist @ 1.36 (Bet9ja)
This fixture has consistently delivered goals, and there’s little reason to expect anything different here. Both teams favour an attacking approach, and the numbers back it up—seven of Madrid’s last nine UCL games and eight of the last ten meetings between these sides have produced at least three goals.
The first leg saw an early goal inside the opening 20 minutes, setting the tone for another high-scoring affair, and we wouldn’t be surprised to see the net bulge at either end early on once again.
Real Madrid vs Manchester City - Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.32
Real Madrid vs Manchester City - Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.32With goals expected to flow, both teams should get on the scoresheet. Real have conceded in five of their last six home games, while City’s attack is too strong to be kept out, making a both teams to score bet solid value.
Madrid’s counter-attacking ability ensures they’ll carve out chances, while City have the quality to strike against anyone.
Real Madrid vs Manchester City - Goal/Goal @ 1.32Real Madrid vs Manchester City - Goal/Goal @ 1.32Finally, we’re backing Vinicius Jr. to impact the scoreline once again.
After assisting the winner in the first leg, the Brazilian remains Madrid’s most dangerous outlet in transition. With seven goals in seven Champions League games this season and a central role in Madrid’s attack, he’s a strong bet to either score or provide an assist.
Real Madrid vs Manchester City - Vinicius Jr. to Score or Assist @ 1.36Real Madrid vs Manchester City - Vinicius Jr. to Score or Assist @ 1.36Possible Lineups:
- Real Madrid: Courtois (GK); Valverde, Asencio, Rudiger, Mendy; Rodrygo, Camavinga, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Mbappe, Vinicius Junior
- Manchester City: Ederson (GK); Lewis, Stones, Dias, Gvardiol; Gonzalez, Silva; Savinho, De Bruyne, Marmoush; Haaland
Win ₦1 Million this Midweek in the Bet9ja Champions Jackpot
Bet on the Real Madrid vs Manchester City match—or any UCL knockout play-off fixture this midweek—at Bet9ja and stand a chance to win ₦1 million in Bet9ja’s Champions Jackpot.
Champions Jackpot: Win ₦1.000.000 This MidweekChampions Jackpot: Win ₦1.000.000 This MidweekEach UCL matchday, Bet9ja is awarding five lucky players ₦1 million in cash as part of the Champions Jackpot.
To enter, simply place a ₦200 bet with at least one selection from Champions League matches happening on February 19.
The more bets you place, the more entries you’ll earn.
Don’t miss out — click on the banner below to place your UCL bets on Bet9ja now and grab your chance to win big this midweek!
Champions Jackpot: Win ₦1.000.000 This MidweekChampions Jackpot: Win ₦1.000.000 This Midweek
200% Welcome Bonus Up to ₦100.000
