Real Madrid and Manchester City face off in the Champions League tonight in a match that highlights their ongoing rivalry.
This will be the fifth consecutive season these teams meet in the knockout stages, following two memorable semi-finals.
In anticipation of the match, we’ve created a Combined XI for both teams.
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois – Real Madrid
Courtois and Gianluigi Donnarumma are both strong contenders for the title of best goalkeeper. In this matchup, Courtois is slightly favored. He’ll need to deliver his best performance for Real Madrid to advance.
⛔ ¡@ThibautCourtois dijo NO! pic.twitter.com/Q6EddLHOjr
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) February 18, 2026
Right-back: Trent Alexander-Arnold – Real Madrid
Trent Alexander-Arnold hasn’t yet reached his best form with Real Madrid, but he’s shown improvement recently. His precise passing could be crucial against City.
Centre-back: Ruben Dias – Manchester City
Ruben Dias is a proven leader for Manchester City and has built a strong partnership with newcomer Marc Guehi. City remains unbeaten in the league since Guehi joined.
Centre-back: Marc Guehi – Manchester City
Guehi has adjusted well to City, bringing a sense of calm to the defense. He’s eager to show his quality in a high-stakes match against the Champions League winners.
Manchester City haven’t lost a game in the Premier League since Marc Guéhi joined.
✅ Man City 2-0 Wolves
🤝 Tottenham 2-2 Man City
✅ Liverpool 1-2 Man City
✅ Man City 3-0 Fulham
✅ Man City 2-1 Newcastle
✅ Leeds 0-1 Man City pic.twitter.com/fTFcSojk3O— WhoScored (@WhoScored) March 4, 2026
Left-back: Rayan Ait-Nouri – Manchester City
With Alvaro Carreras unavailable, Ait-Nouri steps in at left-back. He has improved significantly under Pep Guardiola’s management.
“He has made great strides recently, understanding our needs,” Guardiola remarked. “His skills on the ball are excellent, and defensively, he’s become more aggressive and quicker.”
Midfield: Rodri – Manchester City
Real Madrid is reportedly interested in signing Rodri this summer. He has been a key player for City, controlling games from midfield. City hopes he returns to his top form after recovering from a knee injury.
Midfield: Federico Valverde – Real Madrid
Valverde’s role is crucial today, especially with Jude Bellingham absent. He is a well-rounded player and essential to Real Madrid’s strategy.
Right-wing: Antoine Semenyo – Manchester City
Antoine Semenyo went from a loan at Bath City in the sixth tier to a Champions League match against Real Madrid in just eight years. He has quickly made his mark since joining City, scoring seven goals in 13 games.
Antoine Semenyo scores his fifth Premier League goal in eight games since joining Man City.
Keeping them in the title race 💥 pic.twitter.com/tE5jruO5nf
— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 4, 2026
Left-wing: Vinicius Junior – Real Madrid
Guardiola recognizes Vinicius Junior as a significant threat. It will be interesting to see who will be assigned to contain the pacey winger, especially without Kyle Walker, who was often effective against him.
Forward: Kylian Mbappe – Real Madrid
Kylian Mbappe is determined to achieve his first Champions League title this season. He has scored 13 goals in just eight matches, averaging a goal every 55 minutes.
Forward: Erling Haaland – Manchester City
Erling Haaland is ready to rival Mbappe in the scoring charts. Both players have set records, with Haaland boasting a remarkable goal-per-game average in the Champions League (58/58). He is truly world-class.
Erling Haaland’s record against Spanish sides in the UCL is frightening 🥶 pic.twitter.com/An2w1j3zec
— LiveScore (@livescore) March 11, 2026
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