Real Madrid vs Manchester City: Champions League Round of 16 Leg 1 Odds & Pick
- On Wednesday, at 3:00 PM EST, Real Madrid hosts Manchester City in the first leg of their Round of 16 Champions League matchup
- The Galacticos finished second in their group, which also featured the likes of PSG, while Manchester topped Group C alongside Atalanta, Shakhtar, and Dinamo Zagreb
- Read on for the odds and best bet for Wednesday’s UCL match
Next Wednesday, one of the most highly touted Champions League knockout games will be played between Real Madrid and Manchester City. The game will be at the Bernabéu, giving the Spaniards a huge advantage in the first leg. After being dealt a huge blow by UEFA, Manchester City will be looking to shake off their two-year ban and make a statement in what still could be their year in Europe.
Despite being at, or towards, the top of their domestic tables, both sides have been below normal expectations during this year’s campaign. Nevertheless, the fixture proves a huge chance for both clubs to put on a huge performance that the whole world will be tuned into.
Real Madrid vs Manchester City Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real Madrid | pk (-104) | +165 | Over 2 1/2, 3 (-127) |
| Manchester City | pk (-112) | +156 | Under 2 1/2, 3 (+111) |
| Draw | N/A | +230 | N/A |
Odds taken Feb. 21
Pep vs Zidane: A Touchline Showcase
Aside from the players on the pitch, this matchup gives fans a managerial fight one can only dream of. Pep vs Zidane. Say what you will about Zidane, but three Champions League victories in successive years in a crazy accomplishment, and Guardiola will surely be hungry to take his chances of a fourth away.
Even though one can drool over the tactics and whatnot, the players on the pitch will ultimately decide the match. With that being said, Real Madrid has had the more positive form as of late. The Galacticos have won four from six, and have outscored their opponents 15-7 in those games.
Real Madrid vs Manchester City Statistics
| 1st (53 Points) | Standing in Domestic Leagues | 2nd (54 Points) |
| 1.9 | Goals per game | 2.6 |
| 16.2 | Shots per game | 19.9 |
| 56.8% | Average Possession % | 61.5% |
Manchester City is coming off a couple of hiccups against Crystal Palace, Manchester United and Tottenham that they will want to bounce back from. This past week they just defeated West Ham in the Premier League by a score of 2-0, which they will want to build on. Both teams are also playing with full squads so there is really nothing that will be held back.
📰| Manchester City fans will do the ‘Poznan’ and display new anti-UEFA banners when they play Real Madrid at the Etihad next month in protest over the club’s two-year Champions League ban.
[Daily Mail] pic.twitter.com/OW9CdYXNsD— City Chief (@City_Chief) February 17, 2020
Despite playing away from home in the first leg, and going back to a stadium not necessarily known for their environment, Manchester City knows this is their chance. If their appeal is denied, this will be their last chance to lift ol’ big ears for two years, and who knows what could happen in that time frame. This is their shot, and with the Premier League out of sight, expect them to go for it.
Best Bet
Moving back to the odds, the best bet for this game is a draw at +230. These sides have faced off four times in the decade, and Manchester City has failed to beat Real Madrid once. Two draws and two victories for Madrid tell the tale of the tape, but as stated previously, City should be expected to put in a solid 90-minute shift here.
Even away from home, there is no excuse for a poor result. However, this Madrid team has managed to keep a lot of good teams at bay, especially at home in the Bernabéu. Expect a stalemate and a big payout with a line of +230.
My Pick: ML Draw (+230)
Josh Ricker is a freelance sports journalist, currently attending the University of Southern Maine (Bachelor of Science in Sports Management and Marketing). He has recently interned with the AA Portland Sea Dogs, and his work has been featured on Fansided, as well as now here on SBD.
