Real Madrid and Manchester City meet again in the Champions League, this time in the group stage, but with the feeling of being a decisive match to know what both teams are made of and how far they can go in the European competition this season.

Real Madrid vs Manchester City: a key clash on the road to the last 16

The end of 2025 brings one of the most eagerly awaited matches of the Champions League league phase: Real Madrid vs Manchester City, a clash that over the years has become a modern classic of European football. Neither team is at its best, but they share the same urgency to pick up points to secure a place among the top eight in the tournament, which seems to guarantee a spectacle.

How the teams arrive to this Champions League match

Xabi Alonso's side arrive motivated after their thrilling 4-3 win over Olympiacos, a night where Mbappe scored a historic four-goal haul and the fastest hat-trick of his career. With 12 points, Los Merengues know that a home win would see them finish the year in the automatic qualification places for the last 16.

However, in LaLiga, they suffered a painful defeat against Celta Vigo by a score of 2-0, a result that cost them the lead in the competition. Despite the enormous form of the French striker, the feelings are not at all positive in the environment of the Merengue team and this match could be decisive for decision-making in the winter market. Decisions that could even include a change in the team's management.

On the other hand, Pep Guardiola's Manchester City has ceased to be the team to beat in the Premier League, while in the Champions League they have also failed to assert their status obtained in recent seasons. After losing 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium to Bayer Leverkusen, the English side were left with 10 points, outside the top eight on goal difference.

What time does Real Madrid vs Manchester City kick off?

This highly anticipated match will take place on Wednesday, December 10 at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

• Date: December 10
• Time: 3:00 pm ET
• Venue: Santiago Bernabeu
• Broadcast: DAZN, ViX, UNIMAS and TUDN

Background of Real Madrid vs Manchester City

This will be the 13th meeting in the last 10 years, a clear sign of how both clubs have established themselves as European powerhouses. In 15 historical meetings, the balance is even: five wins each and five draws.

The last clash ended 3-1 in favor of Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, a result that allowed them to advance to the last 16 in the 2024-25 Champions League.