Manchester City vs. Real Madrid: Champions League Showdown – Live on Paramount+
The UEFA Champions League Knockout Phase Playoff is upon us, featuring a high-stakes doubleheader between European powerhouses Manchester City and Real Madrid. With their seasons hanging in the balance, both clubs are eager to advance to the Round of 16.
Game Preview: Manchester City vs. Real Madrid
First Leg: February 11 – 3 PM ET
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Manchester City hosts the first leg at the Etihad Stadium. Despite a challenging domestic season, with inconsistent form and limited trophy prospects, the Champions League represents a vital opportunity for Pep Guardiola's side to achieve silverware.
Second Leg: February 19 – 3 PM ET
Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid
The return leg at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu will be crucial. Real Madrid, despite facing significant injury challenges, aims to leverage their home advantage and rich European pedigree to secure progression.
Recent Form and Head-to-Head History
These clubs last met in the 2024 Champions League quarterfinals. The first leg at the Bernabéu ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw. In the return leg at the Etihad Stadium, Real Madrid emerged victorious after a dramatic penalty shootout, eliminating Manchester City from the competition.
Injury Updates
Both teams are grappling with significant injuries:
- Real Madrid: Defenders Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger, and Lucas Vázquez are sidelined, forcing manager Carlo Ancelotti to consider alternative defensive setups.
- Manchester City: Midfielder Rodri remains unavailable due to an ACL injury, while Oscar Bobb is recovering from a leg injury. New signing Nico Gonzalez is a doubt after sustaining a knock in his debut, and Nathan Ake's fitness is also in question.
Potential Round of 16 Opponents
The winner of this playoff could face Atlético Madrid—setting up a potential Madrid derby—or Bayer Leverkusen in the Round of 16. The exact matchup will be determined in an upcoming draw.
How to Watch UEFA Champions League Live on Paramount+
Don't miss this blockbuster doubleheader! Stream every moment live on Paramount+, the premier destination for soccer fans. Paramount+ offers two subscription plans:
- Essential Plan: $7.99/month or $59.99/year. This ad-supported plan includes access to a vast library of content and live sports events like the Champions League.
- Paramount+ with SHOWTIME: $12.99/month or $119.99/year. This plan provides ad-free access to all content, including SHOWTIME originals, live TV, and the ability to download content for offline viewing.
New subscribers can take advantage of a 7-day free trial to explore all that Paramount+ has to offer.
Whether you're cheering for Manchester City or Real Madrid, experience the pinnacle of European football live on Paramount+