City's historic credentials are pale in comparison to those of their illustrious opponents but Mancini sees no reason why the reigning Premier League champions should be cowed by the nine-time European title-winners.
This is Real Madrid's sixteenth consecutive season in the UEFA Champions league, a record only beaten by Manchester United. Real Madrid have always made it out of the Champions League group stages in each of their 17 participation's and have only failed to score once in their last 25 Champions League games, against Barcelona in the 2010/11 semi-finals. Madrid have played a staggering 169 more times than Manchester City in Europe's Elite competition, yet boast a poor record against English sides, with only two wins in seven games.
Manchester City failed to reach the knockout stages last season despite picking up ten points in the group stage, matching the record for the highest points haul without advancing. For the second consecutive season, City have been placed in 'The Group of Death'. Man City have played seven competitive games against Spanish sides, with 26 goals being produced. City were victorious home and away against Villarreal last season.
Domestically, Manchester City were victorious in lifting the FA Community shield. A 3-1 victory over reigning European Champions Chelsea looked to steer City into the right direction this season, although with two draws in there last two games, and with 6 goals conceded in 4 games, City look far from solid at the back.
Similarly, Madrid have already tasted early season success, after winning the Spanish Super Copa against Barcelona. Although a 3-2 defeat at the Camp Nou looked to dampened Madrid's hope's of glory, a 2-1 victory at the Bernabeu was enough for Madrid to lift the trophy. The last trophy the 'special one' or now, 'only one' needed to claim every domestic trophy in Spain.
This will be the first competitive meeting between these two sides.
Current Form -
Real Madrid -
Lose – Lose – Win – Win – Lose
League Standing - P: 4 W: 1 D: 1 L: 2 F: 5 A: 4 GD: 1 PTS: 4
Manchester City -
Win – Win – Draw – Win - Draw
League Standing - P: 4 W: 2 D: 2 L: 0 F: 9 A: 6 GD: 3 PTS: 8
Possible lineups
Real Madrid: Casillas; Arbeloa, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo; Alonso, Khedira; Ozil, Modric, Ronaldo; Benzema (4-2-3-1)
Manchester City: Hart; Maicon, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy; Yaya Toure, Garcia; Silva, Nasri; Tevez, Aguero (4-2-2-2)
Source: DSG
