Last week in their first leg match, Real Madrid and Manchester City played to a 1-1 draw. On Wednesday, the two soccer powers throw down in what should be an exceptional soccer contest. The game takes place at Etihad Stadium, which is why City is the big time chalk. Will Real step it up like they have so many times in the Champions League? Or will the Sky Blues get it done on their pitch? Keep reading for odds, analysis, and a free pick for Man City versus Real Madrid.

Nitrobetting shares the latest news, soccer odds, and special features throughout the 2022-23 UEFA Champions League season. Let’s get a closer look at the upcoming Real Madrid vs. Manchester City face-off in this preview.

Manchester City vs. Real Madrid 2023 Champions League Semifinal Leg 2 Info

We want your veterans Champions League 5-a-side team.

We’re talking players aged over 30 who have played in this year’s #UCL…

Go! #MatchdayLive pic.twitter.com/BRIoWziEna

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 16, 2023

• When: Wednesday, May 17, 2023, 3:00 PM ET
• Where: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England
• TV: N/A
• Live Stream: Paramount+
• Soccer Odds: Manchester City (-169) / Real Madrid (+380) / Draw (+330)

READ MORE: Inter vs. Milan 2023 Champions League Odds & Preview (May 16)

Why is Real Madrid a safe bet to win?

Real’s attack settles around a couple of players. Although Luka Modric, Valverde, Kroos, and the rest can score, the attack is based on Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior.

The blazing fast Junior takes the ball up the field and then if he sees an opening tries to cross it to Benzema. When the two-man game is working, it’s impossible to keep Real from scoring at least a goal a game.

Although Madrid allowed a goal in the first leg, it came off the foot of Kevin De Bruyne, who remains one of the best overall players in UEFA League soccer. De Bruyne made a fantastic shot to even the match.

Outside the yielded goal, Real’s defense was terrific. Although Man City had possession 56% of the time and took 6 shots on goal, Real’s D and keeper Thibaut Courtois held up well.

Possible Line-Up

• Courtois
• Carvajal
• Militao
• Rudiger
• Camavinga
• Valverde
• Modric
• Kroos
• Rodrygo
• Benzema
• Vinicius

Real Madrid’s Last 5

• Win: 1-0 vs. Getafe
• Draw: 1-1 vs. Manchester City
• Win: 2-1 vs. Osasuna
• Loss: 2-0 vs. Real Sociedad
• Win: 4-2 vs. Almeria

Why is Manchester City a safe bet to win?

City’s attack didn’t show it in the first leg, but when it’s on, it’s the best in the world. Erling Haaland might be the top striker on the planet right now. He’s scored 36 goals in 32 starts.

Jack Grealish, Junior Alvarez off the bench, Bernardo Silva, and Ilkay Gudogan can call score. Not only can they score, but the team works together to get off great shots while holding possession, or scoring goals on breakaways.

City’s defense has picked it up in recent matches. In their last 5, the Sky Blues haven’t allowed more than 1 goal in a match. Ruben Dias, Kyle Walker, and Manuel Akanji work together to hold a line in front of one of the world’s best keepers, Ederson.

The D allowed Real to score, but the goal was an amazing shot from Junior. Real could get nothing going when they held possession on City’s side.

Possible Line-Up

• Ederson
• Akanji
• Dias
• Ake
• Stones
• Rodri
• Silva
• De Bruyne
• Gundogan
• Grealish
• Haaland

Manchester City’s Last 5

• Win: 0-3 vs. Everton
• Draw: 1-1 vs. Real Madrid
• Win: 2-1 vs. Leeds United
• Win: 3-0 vs. West Ham
• Win: 1-2 vs. Fulham

Real Madrid vs. Manchester City Betting Prediction

Real Madrid played a terrific game, but they didn’t get what they desired, at least a goal lead over the Sky Blues. The problem Carlo Ancelotti’s squad has on Wednesday is dealing with Man City at Etihad.

City is a much better team at Etihad than they are anywhere else. What’s really discouraging for Real is that they had the lead, but couldn’t close the door.

With that being written, Ancelotti is a master at preparing his team for the Champions League. He’s won the CL twice at AC Milan and Real. The man will have his team ready.

So although we shouldn’t expect a Real victory, we can’t expect Man City to win, either. Another draw is likely.

Where to Bet on Soccer with Bitcoin

Nitrobetting offers a solid channel for those who want to bet on the UEFA Champions League with bitcoin. The power of crypto and its lightning-fast transactions make the entire Soccer season betting more enjoyable.

This is just one of the many sports betting guides that you can read here at Nitrobetting news. Stay tuned for more 2023 Soccer previews and articles, and don’t forget to check out the latest soccer betting odds on our online BTC sportsbook.

*All stated odds are subject to change without prior notice.