The highly anticipated Champions League clash between Real Madrid, the defending champions, and Manchester City is just days away. This match, part of the round of 16 play-off for the 2024-2025 season, will be one of the biggest games of the competition.
Manchester City and Real Madrid have faced each other three times in the knockout stages over the past three years, turning this fixture into a European football classic, as Pep Guardiola described.
Before this huge battle between Real Madrid, the record holders with 15 Champions League titles, and Manchester City, the 2023 winners, Erling Haaland received great news.
Real Madrid lose key defender before facing Haaland
Real Madrid will be without German defender Antonio Rudiger for the match against Manchester City in the round of 16 play-off. This is a big advantage for Haaland, who has struggled against the powerful defender in previous encounters.
According to the Spanish newspaper Marca, Real Madrid will miss their “Haaland stopper,” referring to Rudiger. The defender has always been a nightmare for the Norwegian striker, and his absence will strengthen City’s attack.
Rudiger is the only Real Madrid player who has successfully stopped and frustrated Haaland in past meetings. Last season, he gave the City striker a tough time, helping Real Madrid hold their ground in the semi-finals.
In City’s recent Premier League match against Arsenal, Haaland struggled to find space and was closely marked by Gabriel Magalhães. The Brazilian defender kept him quiet, just like Rudiger has done in past Champions League games.
Real Madrid vs Manchester City: Match schedule
Real Madrid will host Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday, February 11, for the first leg. The second leg will take place at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday, February 19.
With City’s hopes of winning a fifth consecutive Premier League title slipping away, Pep Guardiola will now shift his focus entirely to the Champions League.
