Manchester City vs. Real Madrid prediction: Champions League odds, picks

Just four teams are remaining in the 2022-23 Champions League, and the competition’s remaining headliners, Manchester City and Real Madrid, will meet in the semi-finals.

It’s a two-leg contest, with the first match taking place at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday afternoon. 

Manchester City has been the betting favorite to win the Champions League — something they’ve never done — all season long.

Still, Real Madrid is the competition’s most successful club and its current titleholder. 

Manchester City is a -300 to advance to the final and is a +120 favorite on the three-way moneyline for Tuesday’s encounter.

Manchester City vs. Real Madrid prediction

(3 p.m. ET. CBS)

There’s very rarely a “good time” to play Manchester City, but it’s hard to imagine a worse spot than right now.

The Cityzens are currently riding a 20-match unbeaten streak (17 wins, 3 draws) across all competitions and have not allowed more than one goal in a game since a 4-2 win over Tottenham on Jan. 19 — a span of 23 contests.

That kind of defensive form would buoy any team to title-winning heights, but when you have the offensive firepower that City have it almost seems unfair.

With Erling Haaland, Kevin de Bruyne, Phil Foden, Julian Alvarez, Jack Grealish, and Riyad Mahrez leading the way, the Cityzens are a threat to score three or four goals every time they step onto the pitch, no matter their opponent.

But with the defense going the way it is, City really only needs one or two to get results most nights. It makes them almost impossible to beat.

But Real Madrid is a tricky opponent.

Carlo Ancelotti is a master at setting his teams up to contend with any opponent. This team, which is full of starpower, has repeatedly proven that it can adapt to any situation.

There is no ego about this Madrid squad, and there’s little doubt that they will set up in a very defensive posture and allow City as much of the ball as they want. 

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Many teams have tried and failed at this tactic, but most of those clubs don’t have the talent or experience that Madrid boasts in its ranks.

They should be able to slow City down some and look for their chances on the counter. 

With Madrid likely to gum up the game and City’s defense in sparkling form, this looks like a match that has all the right ingredients for a play on the under. 

Manchester City vs. Real Madrid pick

Under 2.5 goals scored (+120, PointsBet)