Manchester City Women host Real Madrid in the UEFA Women's Champions League on Wednesday night, aiming for their first League Phase win. The match kicks off at 20:00 UK time at the Joie Stadium, with City looking to build on a 2-2 draw away to Bayern Munich in their European opener.
Andrée Jeglertz's side enter the contest in formidable domestic form, sitting top of the Women's Super League with a perfect 12 points from four games. Their latest victory was a 1-0 win at Charlton Athletic on Saturday, sealed by Alex Greenwood's 36th-minute free-kick. That result extended their unbeaten run to five matches across all competitions, a sequence that includes four wins and a draw.
Team news and recent form
City's last starting lineup featured a 4-2-3-1 formation with Ellie Cumings in goal and Beth Mead, who scored against Bayern, in an advanced role. Mary Fowler and Gracie Prior also threatened in the Charlton win, which Jeglertz described as ideal preparation for back-to-back home games against Real Madrid and Arsenal. The team's fixtures show a quick turnaround, with a key WSL clash against Arsenal coming up this Friday.
Real Madrid arrive in Manchester after a 2-1 victory over Levante in Liga F, a result that moved them to second in the Spanish table. Their Champions League campaign began with a 2-1 home defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. Key players for the Spanish side include Scotland international Caroline Weir, a former City player, and Norwegian forward Signe Bruun.
City will be without the injured Jill Roord, while Laia Aleixandri is a doubt. Real Madrid have a significant absentee as well, with talismanic forward and Ballon d'Or Féminin holder Aitana Bonmatí ruled out due to a knee injury sustained in training.
How to watch and follow
The match will be broadcast live on Disney+ in the United Kingdom. Commentary from Alistair Mann will be available on CITY+ from kick-off, while the Official Man City App will host a Matchday Centre from 18:30 UK time. Post-match reaction, a full report, and highlights will be available on the club's digital platforms shortly after the final whistle.
Head coach Andrée Jeglertz will hold his pre-match media briefing at the City Football Academy on Wednesday afternoon. The club confirmed he will address the media at the City Football Academy on Wednesday 30 September. The session will be streamed live on the club's digital platforms and the Official App from 14:30.
Jeglertz is expected to discuss the challenge of facing a Real Madrid side known for their physicality and organisation, and the importance of starting strongly in front of a home crowd. He may also provide updates on the fitness of his squad ahead of the busy schedule.
With their standings showing a two-point lead at the WSL summit, City's focus now shifts to European progress. A positive result against Real Madrid would provide key momentum in the League Phase, where only the top four teams advance to the knockout rounds. Their next assignment is a home league fixture against seventh-placed Arsenal on 4 October.
