Real Madrid clashes with Manchester City in Champions League action on Wednesday
Star forward Kylian Mbappe is doubtful for Real Madrid
See my Real Madrid vs Manchester City picks and predictions below, plus the latest odds
Soccer heavyweights clash on Wednesday in Champions League play as Real Madrid faces Manchester City. Real Madrid has earned 12 of a possible 15 UCL points so far, but a rash of injuries has online sportsbooks favoring Man City ahead of this showdown.
The action is set to get underway at 3pm ET at Estadio Benabeu, in Madrid, Spain, with Paramount+ providing the broadcast coverage.
Here are my Real Madrid vs Manchester City picks and predictions, as well as the latest odds.
Real Madrid vs Manchester City Picks
Manchester City moneyline (+125 at bet365)
Just when you thought things couldn’t get worse for Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid, news broke Tuesday that star forward Kylian Mbappe is doubtful for Wednesday’s game. Mbappe is reportedly dealing with a muscular problem and was set to undergo tests later in the day to determine his final status.
🚨⚠️ Kylian Mbappé didn’t train with Real Madrid squad and he’s a doubt to face Manchester City. pic.twitter.com/xRv52dJEoC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 9, 2025
This, after a truly shocking run of bad form for the Spanish giants. Real Madrid has just two wins across all competitions in their last seven matches, and are fresh off a embarrassing LALIGA defeat to Celta Vigo. Alonso’s squad has been shut out three times during that stretch, while Mbappe has scored each of the team’s last four Champions League goals.
The dismal stretch has many calling for Alonso’s job, and there’s reportedly been internal discussions about dismissing him. Another loss to one of their UCL rivals could be the nail in his coffin.
Real Madrid – Last 5 Matches
| Opponent | Result |
|---|---|
| Celta Vigo (LALIGA) | L 2-0 |
| Athletic Club (LALIGA) | W 3-0 |
| Girona (LALIGA) | D 1-1 |
| Olympiacos (UCL) | W 4-3 |
| Elche (LALIGA) | D 2-2 |
Mbappe isn’t the only injury worth noting for Real Madrid ahead of Wednesday. Eight first team players are expected to be unavailable versus Man. City, including seven defenders. That spells trouble against the English powerhouse, who have been filling the net in recent EPL action.
Pep Guardiola’s boys have tallied 11 times in their last three matches alone, and should have no issues creating chances versus a shorthanded Real Madrid back end. The enter the contest in near perfect health, with the fourth shortest Champions League title odds, giving me plenty of confidence to back them on the moneyline.
If targeting a specific Man City goal scorer, consider Erling Haaland. He has 9 goals in nine UCL appearances versus Spanish opponents, with four multi-goal games.
Real Madrid vs Manchester City Predictions
Over 3.5 Goals (+110 at bet365)
Haaland leads Man City in goals across all competitions this season with 20, followed by Phil Foden. Manchester City is averaging two goals per match in Champions League play so far, with Real Madrid a touch higher at 2.4 goals per match.
Erling Haaland was the fastest player in Premier League history to reach:
▪️20 goals (14 games)
▪️30 goals (27 games)
▪️40 goals (39 games)
▪️50 goals (48 games)
He’s now become the fastest ever to reach 100 goals ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/mE85NQufEu
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) December 2, 2025
Both teams have conceded five goals so far in UCL action, while neither side has managed a clean sheet in the last four editions of this rivalry. They met twice last season during the Champions League Playoff round, and combined for 9 goals.
Given the depleted state of the Real Madrid back end and Man City’s recent firepower, I see this game exceeding 3.5 goals rather easily. As good as Guardiola’s squad has been offensively in recent matches, they’ve still yielded 9 goals in their last four outings.
Real Madrid vs Manchester City Odds
| Bet Type | Real Madrid | Draw | Manchester City |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | +187 | +280 | +125 |
| Total Goals | Over 3.5 (+110) | Exactly 3 (+333) | Under 3.5 (-138) |
Odds as of December 9 from bet365. Bet on Champions League with the bet365 bonus code.
As far as our Real Madrid vs Manchester City picks and predictions, the best place to bet both Manchester City and over 3.5 goals is at bet365. We can get Man City on the moneyline at +125 odds, while over 3.5 goals pays +110.
If you’re feeling really spicy, you can parlay those two wagers together for a juicy +373 pay day. Throw in a goal for Haarland at -138 odds, and you can bump that parlay up to +715.