Overview
- Kick-off is 8:00 pm GMT at the Santiago Bernabéu, with live coverage on TNT Sports 1.
- Spanish media reports suggest Alonso’s job could be at risk with a defeat, following boos after a 2-0 home loss to Celta Vigo.
- Real Madrid face a defensive crisis with Éder Militão ruled out and several defenders sidelined, while Kylian Mbappé is expected to start despite a fractured finger.
- Manchester City travel without midfielders Rodri (thigh) and Mateo Kovačić (ankle), with Erling Haaland leading the attack after three straight league wins since a Leverkusen defeat.
- This is the 15th Champions League meeting between the clubs, with Madrid holding a 5–4 edge (five draws) and City winning only once in seven previous trips to the Bernabéu; Bernardo Silva cautioned that current form counts for little there.