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Listen to Real Madrid vs Man City commentary live plus kick-off time and team news

Manchester City travel to Real Madrid in a blockbuster Champions League round of 16 tie tonight, live on talkSPORT.

The Citizens will make their second trip to the Spanish capital this season, with the two sides previously meeting in the competition's league phase.

Rayan Cherki scores against Galatasaray

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Rayan Cherki got on the scoresheet in Man City's last Champions League outing against GalatasarayCredit: Getty

Pep Guardiola's side ran out 2-1 winners at the Santiago Bernabeu in December, thanks to Erling Haaland's match-winning penalty.

It proved a crucial three points for City, as they went on to finish eighth in the league phase to clinch the final automatic qualification spot for the knockout phase.

Just below them were Real, who instead went into the play-offs after ending up a point and place below in ninth.

Los Blancos eventually booked their spot in the last 16 by overcoming Benfica 3-1 on aggregate in a play-off tie filled with controversy.

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With the upcoming clash the fifth straight season where City and Real will meet in the Champions League knockout phase, both sides will be desperate to earn the latest bragging rights.

Real Madrid vs Manchester City: Date and how to follow

This Champions League last 16 first leg will take place on Wednesday, March 11.

Kick-off at the Santiago Bernabeu is scheduled for 8pm.

talkSPORT will have live commentary of the match, with Jim Proudfoot and Scott Minto talking you through the action.

Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid reacts during the Spanish Super Cup Final between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid

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Kylian Mbappe has scored 13 goals in the Champions League so far, but won't be able to add to his tally in the round of 16 first legCredit: Getty

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The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage starting at 7pm UK time.

Real Madrid vs Manchester City: Team news

Real head into the Champions League fixture in less than ideal circumstances, currently experiencing an injury crisis.

The biggest blow for the hosts is that star man Kylian Mbappe is set to miss the first leg clash, who has failed to recover from a knee issue.

Also on the 15-time European champions' lengthy list of absentees are key players Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo, with the latter suffering an ACL injury that will see him miss the World Cup.

Adding to Alvaro Arbeloa's woes, Eder Militao (hamstring), Dani Ceballos and David Alaba (both calf) are all set to miss the midweek clash too.

Meanwhile, City have been handed a major boost, with Haaland set to make a return against Real Madrid.

The Norwegian sat out his side's 3-1 FA Cup win over Newcastle after struggling with a recent knock, but has trained as normal since then.

Aside from this, long-term absentees Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic remain out, as well as young defender Max Alleyne.

Real Madrid vs Manchester City: Last five Champions League encounters

December 2025, league phase - Real Madrid 1-2 Man City

February 2025, knockout phase play-offs:

Real Madrid 3-1 Man City - second leg (Real Madrid won 6-3 on aggregate)

Man City 2-3 Real Madrid - first leg

April 2024, quarter-finals:

Man City 1-1 Real Madrid - second leg (4-4 on aggregate, Real Madrid win 4-4 on penalties)

Real Madrid 3-3 Man City - first leg

May 2023, semi-finals:

Man City 4-0 Real Madrid - second leg (Man City win 5-1 on aggregate)

Real Madrid 1-1 Man City - first leg

April/ May 2022, semi-finals:

Real Madrid 3-1 Man City AET - second leg (Real Madrid win 6-5 on aggregate)

Man City 4-3 Real Madrid - first leg

Real Madrid vs Man City: What has been said?

Pep Guardiola didn't appear thrilled when he learned his Man City side would play Real in the Champions League knockout stage for a fifth straight year.

Reacting to the draw in February, the Spaniard said of the two sides' latest meeting: "Yes, it is a little bit weird.

"Not many times does it happen that the last game of the group stage - like Real Madrid v Benfica - is the first draw [in the play-off round].

"It looks different. People will agree or disagree but it is different.

"But why not? In the Premier League and cups how many times have we played against Newcastle this season? Hopefully we can play against them in the final.

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"When I started it was eight, nine, 10 teams [in the Champions League]. It is a question of adapting.

"A Madrid draw is a Madrid draw. What can we do?"

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