GOAL FEST? Man City v Real Madrid preview
Matchday two of the UEFA Women’s Champions League is upon us already, and there are some meaty ties.
Clare McEwen previews Thursday’s fixture between Manchester City and Real Madrid.
The last time the Joie Stadium enjoyed a UWCL match was in March 2025. On that night, City beat Chelsea 2-0 in the quarter-final first leg and a certain Vivianne Miedema came off the bench to score both. Chelsea got their revenge in the reverse leg and knocked City out.
Now back for another European night under the lights, they face another nemesis, Real Madrid.
Madrid have twice knocked City out in recent years (2021-22 and 2022-23) so there will be an element of revenge if City can get the win. But of course, the format is totally different now, and City get to experience the league phase for the first time.
Both sides are packed with talent. Both teams are on an unbeaten run this season.
During her pre-match press conference, Kerstin Casparij (above, left) mentioned Real Madrid’s talented frontline more than once.
Colombian forward Linda Caicedo was namechecked several times by the City defender. Understandable given Caicedo is a frightening prospect for any backline. Fast with the ball at her feet, technically brilliant, and a nightmare for defenders, she creates chances and takes plenty of shots. City won’t want to take their eyes off her whenever she’s on the pitch. Felicia Schröder was Player of the Match (below, right) for Madrid v PSG, and the link-up between her and Caicedo is electric.
Casparij seemed excited about the prospect of testing herself against the attacking prowess of Madrid and coming up against some of her Dutch teammates, Lineth Beerensteyn and Lotte Keukelaar, in particular.
Despite devastating firepower in both teams, yet neither managed a win in last week’s UWCL fixtures.
City found themselves 2-0 down to Bayern Munich before a fantastic comeback – fuelled by Beth Mead’s first goal in a light blue shirt (well, actually black for this away tie) and finished by new signing Carlotta Wamser’s (below, left) late equaliser.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid could only get a point at home against Paris Saint-Germain.
Both teams have scored plenty, but have been looser than they’d like at the back so far this season. We could be in for a goalfest.
Madrid’s frontline are pacy, creative, and always looking for goals. We’ve already talked about Caicedo’s ability, but it’s teenage sensation Schröder who’s been providing the goals so far this season. Despite not playing in every game, she’s scored five goals in Liga F and scored Madrid’s goal against PSG last week – within two minutes of kick-off.
City’s frontline are also pacy, creative, and always looking for goals. Hempo has had a blistering start to the season and you can always rely on Bunny Shaw to cause havoc in the box.
Casparij described European nights under the lights as “really special” and something she “gets a lot of energy from” – and she is clearly relishing the challenge. As the whole team must surely be.
We should be too. We can expect an exciting, action-packed box-to-box game at the Joie on Thursday night. And plenty of goals. Hopefully.
Where to watch:
Manchester City v Real Madrid Thursday 1 Oct, 20.00 BST on Disney+ in the UK and Europe.
Check here for details and other regions: https://wheretowatch.uefa.com/
Photos: UEFA
