Manchester City and Real Madrid will lock horns in a crucial UEFA Champions League round of 16 decider, with the Cityzens recording a sublime 2-1 away win in the first leg.

It was a night to remember last time out in the @ChampionsLeague

 #ManCity | https://t.co/axa0klD5re pic.twitter.com/63ctv5uUaz

— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 4, 2020

The Los Blancos took the lead early, before Manchester City bounced back following an excellent header from Gabriel Jesus and a Kevin De Bruyne penalty. Sergio Ramos was further sent off late on.

A comeback for Real Madrid would be a welcome boost for Zidane, as the Los Blancos aspire to go to Benfica on 23rd August to fight for the most prized trophy of Europe – The Champions League.

Madrid will look to successfully regain their European Champions crown, while Champions League is the main priority for Manchester City.

An elite CB. Raphaël Varane has everything @raphaelvarane | #UCL pic.twitter.com/ku7McnaDwy

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) August 4, 2020

The Los Blancos hold a slight upper hand over their rivals in the tournament. In their last five meetings, Real Madrid have won two and drawn two matches.

These two sides met in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League in 2015/16 and after nearly 110 minutes of goalless play, Real Madrid finally came out on top following a 20th-minute own goal from City’s Fernando.

Injuries and Suspensions:

Sergio Aguero is expected to miss the crucial clash, which is a massive blow. Benjamin Mendy is suspended, which means Joao Cancelo will likely fill in as the left-back.

Mariano Diaz will not feature after being ruled COVID-19 positive recently, with Sergio Ramos suspended. James Rodriguez and Gareth Bale are not a part of the squad, set to take on the Cityzens. 

Recent Form:

Manchester City: WWLWW

Manchester City have won nine games out of a total 12 following shutdown, with the three defeats making it 11 losses in all competitions. These three defeats came on the back of increased vulnerability in defence and an inability to halt counterattacks, which Madrid will certainly look to take advantage of.

Real Madrid: DWWWW

The Los Blancos are on a different level of confidence currently, after winning the La Liga. Real Madrid won 30 points of a total 30 to win the league after restart, which indicates their unity and spirit. Trailing 2-1, the odds are against them. But rule them out at your own risk.

Every Real Madrid goal so far this season…

Most memorable?@realmadriden | #UCL pic.twitter.com/mv6Ufs2Vlj

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) August 5, 2020

Prediction:

Manchester City have an advantage in the second leg at the Etihad. However, the Los Blancos can certainly complete an astounding comeback. While it is difficult to predict a scoreline, a 2-2 draw with the Cityzens going through would be our take.

Television Broadcast:

Sony Six (India)

Written By: Rohit Jain