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Who makes it into our Real Madrid–Man City Combined XI?
Two of the most talent-packed squads in world football go head-to-head on Wednesday night as Real Madrid host Manchester City in the Champions League – a match that pits stars against stars from two of Europe’s richest rosters.
With that in mind, here’s a composite 4-2-3-1 line-up drawn from both clubs, blending defensive steel, midfield dynamism and attacking flair.
GK – Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)
The evergreen shot-stopper remains one of the most reliable custodians in Europe. Despite stiff competition from City’s Gianluigi Donnarumma, Courtois gets the nod as he has repeatedly demonstrated his size, composure and experience at the highest level – qualities that make him a natural choice between the sticks in this all-star XI.
RB – Trent Alexander-Arnold (Real Madrid)
At Real Madrid since a summer move from Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold brings elite attacking instincts from full-back. His crossing range and creative vision – formerly honed at Anfield – add width and chance creation to this line-up’s right flank, complementing the attacking talent ahead of him.
CB – Ruben Dias (Manchester City)
In central defence, Ruben Dias offers the kind of solidity and organisation any elite back-line demands. His reading of play, aerial ability and calmness under pressure provide a perfect foil in a defence that mixes youth and experience.
CB – Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City)
Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Opposite Dias, Josko Gvardiol injects pace, aggressive ball-carrying and technical comfort into the back-line. Comfortable with the ball at his feet and confident under pressure, he balances Dias’s solidity with athleticism and modern defensive versatility.
LB – Alberto Carreras (Real Madrid)
On the left, Alberto Carreras adds balance to the defence and an outlet in possession. While not the flashiest name, his steady defensive awareness and capacity to support attacks give the left side stability and occasional forward thrust from the former Manchester United academy starlet.
CM – Rodri (Manchester City)
Anchoring the midfield, Rodri brings control, positional discipline and the ability to dictate tempo. His physical presence and passing range make him the ideal engine room pivot to protect the defence and feed creative midfielders. The Ballon d’Or winner is among the first names on the teamsheet.
CM – Federico Valverde (Real Madrid)
Paired with Rodri, Federico Valverde offers boundless energy, box-to-box dynamism and the knack for arriving late in the penalty area. His blend of defensive work-rate and attacking ambition makes him the perfect foil to Rodri’s metronomic calm.
RW – Phil Foden (Manchester City)
On the right flank sits Phil Foden, whose combination of dribbling, movement and link-up play makes him a constant threat. His technical quality and tempo offer this XI directness and unpredictability on the right side of attack.
CAM – Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
At the creative heart of this XI, Jude Bellingham brings a rare mix of vision, power and goal threat. Comfortable driving forward, threading through balls or arriving late in the box, he provides the spark and creativity that binds midfield to attack.
LW – Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)
Out wide left, Kylian Mbappe brings sheer pace, directness and clinical finishing. His ability to carry the ball at full speed and explode past defenders gives the left flank a constant cutting edge and ensures this attack is always a threat in transition.
ST – Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Up front, there’s no better No.9 in Europe than Erling Haaland. His physical power, movement, finishing and threat inside the box make him the ultimate centre-forward – the man you throw the ball to when you want ruthlessness, goals and a constant headache for defenders.
Full Champions League fixture list for Matchday 6
Tuesday 9 December
- Kairat Almaty vs Olympiacos
- Bayern Munich vs Sporting CP
- Atalanta vs Chelsea
- Barcelona vs Eintracht Frankfurt
- Inter vs Liverpool
- Monaco vs Galatasaray
- PSV Eindhoven vs Atletico Madrid
- Tottenham Hotspur vs Slavia Prague
- Union St. Gilloise vs Marseille
Wednesday, 10 December
- Qarabag FK vs Ajax
- Villareal vs FC København
- Athletic Club vs PSG
- Leverkusen vs Newcastle
- Benfica vs Napoli
- Dortmund vs Bodø/Glimt
- Club Brugge vs Arsenal
- Juventus vs Pafos FC
- Real Madrid vs Man City
How to watch Real Madrid vs Manchester City in the USA on DAZN
Soccer fans in the US can watch Real Madrid vs Manchester City in the Champions League in Spanish language as part of their DAZN subscription package.
An annual upfront payment is $224.99 , while paying monthly for 12 months is $19.99 and also provides access to 185 fight nights a year across boxing, MMA, PFL, BKFC, Glory and much more.
CBS has coverage of every Champions League match in English language this season. You can get more details and subscribe to CBS's Champions League coverage here.
Fans can watch extra Champions League games in Spanish on ViX. A selection of those matches are also available on UNIMÁS and TUDN.
How to watch the Champions League in New Zealand on DAZN
Every Champions League game during the 2025-26 season is streamed in high definition and comes as part of a DAZN subscription.
An annual subscription costs $14.99 per month for 12 months and also provides access to 185 fight nights a year across boxing, MMA, PFL, BKFC, Glory and much more.
How to watch the Champions League in Canada on DAZN
Watch every game of the Champions League this season in Canada with a DAZN subscription.
There are three subscription options, each offering a different selection of sports. Access to every Champions League match is included in all three package offerings, ranging from $29.99 to $44.99 per month (for 12 months)
