Real Madrid and Manchester City clashed at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, in a highly anticipated Champions League match. The game was crucial for both teams, with Real Madrid aiming to improve their position in the league phase standings and Manchester City seeking to break into the top eight to secure a direct path to the last 16.
Real Madrid's coach, Xabi Alonso, was reportedly under immense pressure, with some Spanish media suggesting that a defeat could lead to his dismissal. Reports indicated that Alonso had lost the support of the dressing room, and the recent 2-0 defeat by Celta Vigo in La Liga further intensified the pressure. However, Alonso insisted that his sole focus was on the match against Manchester City and that he had the full support of the team.
Manchester City, on the other hand, entered the game with momentum, having narrowed the gap to Arsenal in the Premier League to just two points with three consecutive victories. However, they were without key players such as Rodri, who was still recovering from a hamstring injury, and John Stones, who had suffered a leg injury. Mateo Kovacic was also sidelined.
The match was the 13th meeting between the two clubs in the past decade, highlighting the growing rivalry between them. Real Madrid had won the Champions League in 2022 and 2024, overcoming Manchester City en route to both titles. Manchester City secured their first Champions League title in 2023, defeating Real Madrid in the semi-final.
In terms of team news, Real Madrid faced a defensive crisis with Éder Militão out with a hamstring injury. Dani Carvajal, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, David Alaba, and Ferland Mendy were also unavailable. There was uncertainty surrounding the fitness of Kylian Mbappe, who missed training due to a leg injury and a broken finger sustained the previous weekend. However, Jude Bellingham was expected to play despite a cut above his eye.
The match was televised live on TNT Sports 1 in the UK, with coverage starting at 7 pm GMT ahead of the 8 pm kick-off.
