Real Madrid host Manchester City in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round-of-16 tie at the Santiago Bernabéu on March 11, 2026 (8:00pm GMT kickoff). With key injuries confirmed and starting lineups announced by UEFA, here's the latest ahead of this latest chapter in their knockout rivalry, where City are favorites after a 2-1 group-stage win earlier this season.
This clash marks the fifth straight season the sides have met in the Champions League knockout phase, reviving a fierce rivalry. Real Madrid, second in La Liga but plagued by injuries under managers Xabi Alonso and Álvaro Arbeloa, will miss Kylian Mbappé, Éder Militão, Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham.
UEFA-confirmed lineups:
Real Madrid: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Rüdiger, Huijsen, Mendy; Valverde, Tchouaméni, Pitarch; Brahim Díaz, Arda Güler, Vinícius Júnior.
Manchester City: Donnarumma; Khusanov, Rúben Dias, Guéhi, O'Reilly; Rodri, Bernardo Silva; Savinho, Semenyo, Doku; Haaland.
Pep Guardiola takes charge of his 190th Champions League game, with Erling Haaland (56 goals in 56 appearances) leading City's attack. Madrid boast a strong knockout record, advancing from 13 of their last 15 last-16 ties.
Watch live in the UK on TNT Sports, stream on Discovery+. The winners could face Atalanta or Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals.
