Real Madrid and Manchester City face off once again in the Champions League play-off final. A study based on artificial intelligence reveals the chances of the two European giants of winning the trophy.
For the fourth year running, Real Madrid and Manchester City meet in the Champions League. This time, the two teams will meet in the play-offs, with a first leg at the Etihad on 11 February and a return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu on 19 February. It promises to be one of the highlights of the competition.
The two clubs have had contrasting fortunes in the league phase of the new UEFA Champions League. Madrid, despite finishing eleventh in the overall standings, managed to qualify thanks to some solid performances. City, meanwhile, had to battle until the final day to secure their place, finishing in 22nd place.
Recent encounters between these two football giants have often gone in Real Madrid’s favour. Last season, Los Merengues eliminated City in the quarter-finals after a memorable penalty shoot-out. Andriy Lunin, the Madrid goalkeeper, was decisive in saving two penalties. The victory propelled Real Madrid to the final, where they beat Borussia Dortmund.
However, teams have changed since then. Manchester City, despite mixed results in the Premier League, remain a well-oiled machine under Pep Guardiola. Real Madrid recently lost to Espanyol, but are showing signs of progress. Both sides will have to be at their best if they hope to qualify.
AI gives its verdict
Both teams come into this match with doubts. Real Madrid suffered a shock defeat against Espanyol, marred by controversial refereeing decisions. Man City, meanwhile, were humiliated by Arsenal (5-1) in the Premier League, a defeat that exposed the Citizens’ defensive weaknesses. These results have raised concerns among fans. Losing in the Champions League at this stage would be a major blow for both clubs. For the English side, already behind in the Premier League, an early exit from Europe would be catastrophic. Real Madrid, on the other hand, want to continue writing their history in the competition.
But a recent study, reported by the British newspaper The Sun, used artificial intelligence to predict the teams’ chances of winning the Champions League. According to this analysis, Arsenal are the favourites with a 24.3% chance of lifting the trophy. Liverpool follow with 18.9%. Real Madrid’s chances are estimated at 10.8%. Manchester City, on the other hand, would have only a 6.5% chance of winning. These figures show that Real Madrid could have a slight advantage in this direct duel against the Skyblues.
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