The Champions League is often defined by iconic rivalries, and for the fourth consecutive season, Manchester City will face Real Madrid—two of Europe’s most storied clubs. This time, they meet earlier than expected in the Champions League play-off round, with the first leg set to take place in Manchester on Tuesday. Let’s revisit five iconic encounters between these two sides that have transformed this fixture into a modern Champions League classic.
2015-16 Quarter-finals: Real Madrid 1-0 Manchester City (Madrid win 1-0 on aggregate)
In the 2015-16 Champions League quarter-finals, Manuel Pellegrini’s Manchester City were eager to reach their first Champions League final. However, a deflected cross from Gareth Bale ended their hopes. After a goalless draw in the first leg at the Etihad, Bale’s cross, which hit City defender Fernando, found its way over goalkeeper Joe Hart.
City argued that Lucas Vazquez should have been sent off for a foul on Raheem Sterling, but the decision had little impact on the outcome. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Real Madrid reached their 14th Champions League final, where they went on to defeat Atletico Madrid 5-3 in penalties, claiming their 11th European title.
2019-20 Last 16: Man City 4-2 Real Madrid
In the 2019-20 Champions League last 16, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City turned the tables, beating Real Madrid 4-2 on aggregate. The first leg, played in Madrid, saw City come from behind to claim a 2-1 victory. Goals from Gabriel Jesus and Kevin De Bruyne helped them overturn Isco’s early strike.
The second leg, delayed until August due to the Covid-19 pandemic, was played behind closed doors. Raheem Sterling and Jesus scored to seal a 2-1 win, sending City through to the Champions League quarter-finals. However, they were knocked out by Lyon in the next round.
2021-22 Semi-finals: Real Madrid 6-5 Manchester City
The 2021-22 semi-final will go down as one of the greatest Champions League encounters ever. Despite Manchester City’s dominance over the first two legs, Real Madrid pulled off a sensational comeback.
City led 4-3 from the first leg at the Etihad, but they failed to finish the job. Riyad Mahrez’s goal in the 73rd minute of the return leg seemed to have sealed City’s fate, but Rodrygo scored twice in stoppage time to send the game into extra-time.
In the additional period, Karim Benzema netted the decisive penalty, sending Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid to Paris, where they triumphed 1-0 over Liverpool in the final to win their 14th Champions League title.
2022-23 Semi-finals: Man City 5-1 Real Madrid
Manchester City learned from their previous heartbreak and were ruthless in their approach during the 2022-23 Champions League semi-finals. In a dramatic first leg in Madrid, Kevin De Bruyne’s stunning strike equalized Vinicius Junior’s opener, finishing 1-1.
The return leg in Manchester saw a clinical City side demolish Madrid 4-0, with Bernardo Silva scoring twice. Late goals from Manuel Akanji and Julian Alvarez put the final nail in Madrid’s coffin. Manchester City went on to win the Champions League in Istanbul, defeating Inter Milan 1-0 in the final.
2023-24 Quarter-finals: Real Madrid 4-4 Manchester City (Madrid win 4-3 on penalties)
The 2023-24 quarter-finals saw Real Madrid exact revenge for their defeat at the Etihad in 2023. Despite enduring a City onslaught in the second leg at the Bernabeu, Madrid held firm and prevailed in a penalty shootout after a 3-3 draw.
Rodrygo gave Madrid an early lead in Manchester, and despite De Bruyne’s equalizer in the 76th minute, City were unable to break through. Madrid, with their famed Champions League survival instinct, triumphed on penalties, with Mateo Kovacic and Bernardo Silva missing crucial spot kicks.
Madrid eventually went on to lift their 15th Champions League title, defeating Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund on the way to another memorable European conquest.
The Modern Champions League Classic
As the latest encounter between Manchester City and Real Madrid approaches, fans can look forward to another unforgettable chapter in what has become one of Europe’s most thrilling rivalries. Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti—two of the greatest managers in modern football—will once again pit their tactical prowess against each other, with Erling Haaland and Karim Benzema leading the charge for their respective sides.
This encounter is more than just a match; it’s a continuation of a modern Champions League classic, where history, drama, and footballing brilliance collide.