Our betting expert has three Manchester City vs Real Madrid tips for tonight’s Champions League quarter-final, second leg at the Etihad Stadium (kick-off, 8pm BST). Scroll down for the analysis behind his selections.
Manchester City vs Real Madrid betting tips
Odds correct at time of publishing and subject to change.
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No place like home for City
City and Real Madrid shared the spoils in a chaotic six-goal thriller in the first leg at the Bernabeu last Tuesday – a result that makes the holders favourites to progress.
Having locked horns with City in the semi-finals of this competition in each of the past two seasons, Real know first-hand how formidable a force City are at the Etihad Stadium.
Twelve months ago, the first leg in Madrid finished 1-1 but City tore Carlo Ancelotti’s side apart at home, easing to a 4-0 success allowing Real only three shots on target.
On course for the La Liga title and armed with the services of Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo, the Spanish giants will feel they can cause plenty of problems for a City side with only two clean sheets in their last 10 matches.
But City have won their previous 12 Champions League home matches, scoring three or more on 10 occasions, including four in each of their back-to-back home wins over Real.
Given the attacking talent on show, the goal count should be high but City are backed to prevail.
Manchester City vs Real Madrid tip 1: Man City to win and both teams to score @ 2/1 with Betfair
Vinicius Jr can play key role
One of the few weaknesses City have is a lack of pace in defence and, even with Kyle Walker available again, it is an area Real will be looking to exploit on the counter-attack through their Brazilian duo of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.
Vinicius failed to get on the scoresheet in last week’s 3-3 draw but he did grab two assists and City will have to contain him if they are to secure their semi-final spot.
The 23-year-old has faced City six times in his career to date, scoring twice and assisting three times, and he looks a good bet to contribute towards another goal at the Etihad.
Vinicius is a big-game player and from six appearances in the Champions League this season, he has bagged three goals and four assists.
Manchester City vs Real Madrid tip 2: Vinicius Junior to score or assist @ 13/8 with Betfair
Carvajal may struggle to escape referee’s attention
This will be the eighth meeting between these sides in the Champions League since February 2020 and in six of those seven matches both teams have been on the scoresheet.
Last week’s opening leg suggests the entertainment should flow again, especially when you consider that the net has bulged at both ends in six of Real’s last eight Champions League fixtures.
There may have been only six corners in the reverse fixture but that tally should be much higher at the Etihad, where there were 10 when City defeated Real 4-0 last season.
The corner totals in City’s previous eight home games read 13, five, 11, 13, eight, 17, 11 and 13.
Finally, having been booked in the opening leg, Real right-back Dani Carvajal is a candidate for another card.
In his previous 14 appearances for his club, he has been booked six times and picked up a red card, while his nine Champions League meetings with City have yielded four yellows.
Manchester City vs Real Madrid tip 3: Bet builder: Both teams to score, over 9.5 corners and Dani Carvajal to be shown a card @ 6/1 with Betfair
Manchester City vs Real Madrid odds
Odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.
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