UEFA Champions League | League Phase Matchday 6 | Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Real Madrid host Manchester City at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday in a pivotal Champions League League Phase fixture. Los Blancos sit fifth with 12 points while City occupy ninth on 10 points, making this a direct battle for automatic Round of 16 qualification. Only the top eight advance directly, adding urgency to every point.
Stakes and Table Context
Real Madrid carry a plus-7 goal difference (12 scored, 5 conceded) through five matches. Manchester City trail with plus-5 (10 scored, 5 conceded) after dropping points in Matchday 5. A win for either side would provide significant breathing room in the race for the top eight.
Head-to-Head History
These clubs have produced drama in recent seasons. Over their last 16 meetings across all competitions, the record stands at 6-5-5 with at least three matches decided by two or more goals. Their encounters average 3.63 goals per game. Real Madrid eliminated City in both 2022 and 2024, though City prevailed during their 2023 title-winning campaign.
Real Madrid Form
In their last six matches across all competitions, Real Madrid have recorded W3-D2-L1, scoring 1.67 goals per game while conceding 1.00. However, domestic form has stuttered with just one win in their last five La Liga rounds. A 2-1 home loss to Celta Vigo on December 7 exposed defensive vulnerabilities.
Manchester City Form
City arrive with momentum from their last six overall (W4-D0-L2), averaging 2.50 goals scored and 1.17 conceded per game. Three consecutive Premier League victories have steadied the ship following their Bayer Leverkusen defeat in Champions League action.
Tactical Outlook
Possession will be contested closely. Real Madrid average 58% possession while City control 62% in recent windows. In UCL play this season, Madrid have scored at 2.4 goals per game compared to City’s 2.0. The tactical hinge centers on whether Real Madrid’s makeshift defense can contain Erling Haaland and City’s wide threats.
Team News
Real Madrid face a defensive crisis. Dani Carvajal, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ferland Mendy, and Eduardo Camavinga are ruled out. Kylian Mbappé (leg/finger), Éder Militão, David Alaba, and Dean Huijsen remain doubtful. The backline will require significant reshuffling.
Manchester City miss influential midfielder Rodri alongside Mateo Kovačić. John Stones is a doubt in defense. Pep Guardiola retains more options but loses crucial midfield control without Rodri.
Both sides are expected to deploy variations of 4-3-3.
Numbers to Watch
- 3.63: Average goals per Real Madrid vs Man City meeting
- 12 vs 10: Points separating fifth from ninth in the table
- 2.4: Real Madrid’s UCL goals per game this campaign
Where to Watch
Kickoff: 8:00 PM GMT / 3:00 PM ET / 9:00 PM CET
US: Paramount+, DAZN | UK: TNT Sports 1, discovery+ App
