The rivalry between Real Madrid and Manchester City in the Champions League has become the defining fixture of modern football, encompassing comebacks, dramatic winners, revenge, and the potential for a shift in dominance.

The night of May 4, 2022, is etched in history. In the semi-final second leg, Real Madrid, trailing 5-3 on aggregate, staged a miraculous reversal. Substitute Rodrygo scored in the 90th minute and again one minute later to force extra time. Karim Benzema then sealed the sensational 6-5 aggregate win from the penalty spot.

The rivalry intensified in 2023 when Manchester City exacted their revenge, dominating the semi-final with a 5-1 aggregate scoreline, powered by a Bernardo Silva brace, en route to claiming their first Champions League trophy.

The drama continued in the 2024 quarter-finals, where the two sides battled to a thrilling 4-4 draw across two legs. Real Madrid narrowly advanced 4-3 on penalties, with Rodrygo once again proving to be the decisive figure.

Their confrontation tonight is their fifth consecutive meeting in the Champions League knockout stages. Real Madrid faces adversity with six defenders out injured and Kylian Mbappé unavailable. Despite their challenges, the inherent tension of this "Champions League Derby" ensures another high-stakes, unpredictable contest.