Football fans are set for an exciting clash as Manchester City and Real Madrid face off in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 qualifier at the Etihad Stadium. This match holds special significance as it brings together two of the most valuable squads in football. Manchester City’s team is worth 1.3 billion euros, while Real Madrid’s squad holds a total value of 1.23 billion euros.
Pep Guardiola can proudly claim to have the most expensive squad in football right now, but close behind is Real Madrid, the record holders for the most Champions League titles. Real Madrid have been a tough challenge for Guardiola in recent years.
The “Transfer Market” website has put together a combined lineup of the most expensive stars from both Manchester City and Real Madrid, with a total value of 1.27 billion euros. Interestingly, the lineup does not include Egyptian star Omar Marmoush, despite his 75-million-euro move to the English giants in the winter.
The combined lineup of the most expensive stars from Manchester City and Real Madrid
Manchester City slightly edge out Real Madrid in this combined lineup, which uses a 4-4-2 formation. Six players from Manchester City make the cut, compared to five from Real Madrid.
In goal, Manchester City’s Brazilian keeper Ederson takes the spot with a market value of 30 million euros, ahead of Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois, who is valued at 25 million euros. The third most expensive goalkeeper in the two teams is Andriy Lunin, valued at 20 million euros.
Manchester City also dominate the defence. Rico Lewis features at right-back with a value of 40 million euros, while Croatian Josko Gvardiol takes the left-back position at 75 million euros. Ruben Dias, valued at 75 million euros, partners with Real Madrid’s Brazilian defender Eder Militao, valued at 40 million euros, in the centre-back positions. However, Militao will miss the clash due to a serious cruciate ligament injury.
While Manchester City rule the defence, Real Madrid shine in midfield. Brazilian Vinicius Junior features on the left wing with a staggering value of 200 million euros, alongside Englishman Jude Bellingham, valued at 180 million euros, and Uruguayan Federico Valverde, valued at 130 million euros. Manchester City’s Phil Foden is the only representative from his team in midfield, playing on the right wing with a market value of 140 million euros.
The attack in this combined squad features the formidable duo of Kylian Mbappe, valued at 160 million euros, and Norwegian superstar Erling Haaland, valued at 200 million euros. Haaland and Vinicius Junior are the most expensive players in this lineup. Both Manchester City and Real Madrid are having a disappointing Champions League season so far, despite their previous encounters in the tournament, which total 10 matches, along with two meetings in the International Champions Cup.
