In the semi-final first leg of the Champions League, Real Madrid will welcome Manchester City at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, a stage that promises a high-stakes clash between two of Europe’s most storied clubs.
Real Madrid faces Manchester City in a pivotal first-leg encounter that many fans and pundits view as a de facto final. The Bernabéu will host a match that brings together two teams renowned for their winning cultures, tactical depth, and relentless ambition. This matchup marks a continuation of ongoing narratives: Real Madrid hunting a repeat success, and Manchester City aiming to translate domestic dominance into continental glory for the first time in this era.
The Merengues advanced by delivering a commanding performance against Chelsea in the quarter-finals, clinching a 4–0 aggregate victory. Under Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid seek their second straight Champions League title, their eighth since 2000, and a historic fifteenth trophy overall. The squad blends veteran experience with young energy, aiming to solidify their status as one of Europe’s most successful clubs over the last two decades.
Meanwhile, Manchester City completed their round-of-16 tie with a 4–1 win over Bayern Munich. Led by Pep Guardiola, City are chasing a second European final appearance in three seasons and are determined to convert their domestic supremacy into continental success. After coming so close in previous campaigns, they remain hungry for the prize that has eluded them until now. The club’s modern identity—an emphasis on ball control, pressing intensity, and swift positional play—sets up a tactical chess match against Real Madrid’s seasoned approach and counter-attacking threats.
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Here, GOAL breaks down everything you need to know about the match, from key players to tactical trends and viewing options across regions. This is more than a fixture; it’s a clash of legacies, a contest between two clubs with a track record of transforming big nights into enduring memories for fans around the world.
WHEN IS?
The date has been set for a midweek showdown that captures the attention of fans across continents. Both teams bring a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, creating a balance of experience and flair that should deliver a thrilling 90 minutes. The emotional tempo at the Bernabéu will be high, as each side seeks to seize control early and set the tone for the return leg.
HOW TO SEE ON TV
The broadcast plans vary by country. In Argentina and Chile, ESPN and Fox Sports will carry the match. Colombia will have coverage on ESPN, while the United States will be able to watch on Univision. In Spain, Movistar offers the live feed, aligning with the country’s long-standing broadcasting arrangements for European competition. Viewers should check local listings for any channel-specific blueprints or regional blackout notes that might affect availability.
HOW TO WATCH BY STREAMING
The match will stream across multiple platforms tailored to regional audiences. Star+ will carry the game for South American viewers, aligning with Star’s broader strategy to consolidate sports and entertainment programming in one service. In Mexico, HBO Max will host the action, giving subscribers access to a familiar streaming environment. In the United States, Paramount+ will offer live streaming, while in Spain Movistar continues to serve as the streaming home for many European fixtures. For fans elsewhere, official streaming partners will mirror regional rights, ensuring broad accessibility across platforms.
Star+ is the hub for ESPN sports and live events, a platform that curates a mix of sports, entertainment, and original programming. It brings together live events, contemporary shows, and nostalgic favorites, all in one place. The service is designed to maximize audience engagement through a simple, centralized experience that pairs live action with on-demand content.
FORMATIONS
REAL MADRID
To confirm.
THE CITY OF MANCHESTER
To confirm.