Match Details

Related News

• Why this Real Madrid vs Manchester City classic is different

  Real Madrid and Manchester City meet for a fifth consecutive Champions League knockout campaign, with Alvaro Arbeloa’s injury-depleted side facing a City team bolstered by fresh talent and the return of Erling Haaland.   ​The “New European Classic” returns to the Bernabéu tonight as Real Madrid host Manchester City in a Round of 16 clash defined by significant absentees. Los Blancos must navigate a massive injury crisis, with star forward Kylian Mbappé (knee) and Jude Bellingham (hamstring) both ruled out of the first leg. Interim coach Alvaro Arbeloa, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January, faces a tactical mountain as he attempts to stop a City side that already triumphed 2-1 in Madrid during the league phase earlier this season. ​Manchester City enter the tie as favorites, welcoming back a rested Erling Haaland after he sat out the FA Cup victory over Newcastle. While Pep Guardiola is forced to watch from the stands due to a touchline ban, his squad appears near full strength, featuring high-impact newcomers Marc Guéhi and Antoine Semenyo. Despite City’s recent dominance in this fixture, Arbeloa remains defiant about his side’s underdog status, asserting, “We’re Real Madrid, we shouldn’t feel inferior to anybody.” ​The tactical battle will likely see Madrid sit deep and counter-attack through the electric Vinícius Júnior, while City aim to control possession through the fit-again Rodri. With Mbappé sidelined, the responsibility for goals falls on young Gonzalo García or former City player Brahim Díaz. For City, the inclusion of youth sensation Nico O’Reilly, who scored in the previous Bernabéu meeting, could provide the “stardust” needed to overcome a Madrid defense led by the experienced Antonio Rüdiger.

• PSG triggers Chelsea camp with speculation ahead of UCL clash

  Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly contacted Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez regarding a summer transfer just hours before the two sides meet in a high-stakes Champions League Round of 16 first leg.

  ​Paris Saint-Germain have intensified their pursuit of Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, reportedly establishing contact with the Argentine’s representatives ahead of tonight’s European showdown.

  Despite Fernandez being tied to a long-term contract at Stamford Bridge until 2032, the French champions view the 25-year-old as a transformative addition to their midfield.

  The midfielder has previously praised the Parisian giants, stating last summer, “Today I believe so (they are the best team on the planet).”

  ​The transfer speculation adds a dramatic layer to Liam Rosenior’s biggest managerial test since taking the Chelsea helm in January.

  Rosenior’s side enters the Parc des Princes seeking to replicate their 3-0 Club World Cup final victory over PSG from last July.

  While the French hierarchy eyes a potential £107 million-plus summer move, Luis Enrique’s squad remains focused on defending their European crown against a resurgent Chelsea team.

• Galatasaray players criticised by own manager ahead of Liverpool Champions League tie

  Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk has reprimanded his players for focusing too heavily on their upcoming Champions League clash with Liverpool, despite securing a vital 1-0 derby win over Besiktas.

  ​Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk criticized his squad’s focus following a narrow victory over Besiktas, claiming players were distracted by Tuesday’s Champions League tie.

  Despite a Victor Osimhen goal securing the win, Buruk noted, “They were all talking about the Liverpool match before the derby.”

  He emphasized that while a win prepares them, the team must respect the domestic challenge before facing elite European opposition.

  ​Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is anticipating a hostile environment as the Reds return to Istanbul.

  Reflecting on a recent FA Cup win, he joked that “our ears will be tested again” by the notoriously loud Turkish supporters.

  Liverpool previously lost 1-0 at Rams Park in September and will be looking to overcome the atmosphere to secure a crucial first-leg advantage.

• Haaland, Gvardiol, Kovacic and Man City fitness update ahead of Madrid clash

  Pep Guardiola has eased fears over Erling Haaland’s availability for Wednesday’s Champions League trip to Real Madrid, confirming the striker’s absence from the FA Cup win over Newcastle was a strategic rest.

  ​Erling Haaland is expected to return to the starting lineup for Manchester City’s critical visit to the Santiago Bernabéu after being omitted from the squad for Saturday’s 3-1 victory against Newcastle.

  Guardiola clarified that the move was pre-planned to ensure his talisman was fresh for the season-defining fixtures ahead.

  “I was not planning to play him,” Guardiola explained, adding, “I would prefer good training sessions than to travel and play just 10-15 minutes.”

  ​While Haaland returns, Josko Gvardiol remains a long-term absentee following a tibial fracture sustained in January, with his return not expected until the summer.

  Mateo Kovacic is showing signs of progress after a second ankle surgery, having recently rejoined first-team training.

  Guardiola noted the midfielder’s improving condition, stating, “Maybe he can give us good quality until the end of the season,” though his match fitness remains a primary concern for the coaching staff.

• Dutch media savage Raheem Sterling after brutal chant and Robin van Persie disagreement

  Raheem Sterling’s first start for Feyenoord ended in disappointment and derision from the Dutch media, as the veteran winger struggled with match fitness and pace during a 3-3 draw against NAC Breda.  

  ​Raheem Sterling’s first start for Feyenoord since leaving Chelsea was labeled a failure by Dutch outlets, who criticized his dwindling speed and sharpness.

  After being substituted in the 63rd minute, Sterling admitted he disagreed with head coach Robin van Persie’s decision, stating, “I felt good enough to continue, but it is the coach’s choice.”

  Despite his optimism, local press described his performance as “fruitless” and uninspiring.

  ​The 31-year-old endured sarcastic chants from NAC Breda supporters, who mocked his weakened shot power.

  De Volkskrant noted that Sterling frequently lost possession and was easily beaten for speed, while AD highlighted his struggle to impact the game.

  Sterling remained hopeful about his integration into the Eredivisie side, remarking, “It is understandable that it is not yet possible. It is another new step in the right direction.”