So, if you see Arsenal performing better compared to last season, Real Madrid will also do the same thing. They want to perform better compared to last season in the Champions League where Real Madrid was defeated by Manchester City and this will be an event of revenge for Real Madrid to avenge their defeat, we'll see what Carlo Ancelotti will do in providing his strategy when his club again faces a club that is strong in attack, but Real Madrid's attack is also quite good this season so both clubs will be wary of each other.
Mancity's attack is quite inferior to Real Madrid's. Halaand seems quite ungainly and quite gentle when facing big teams, Mancity's recent scoring has depended a lot on Phil Foden. Meanwhile, Real Madrid's attack is more varied with the duo of Brazil and Bellingham. It's quite difficult for Mancity to play a double attack with Real Madrid. I think a defensive counter-attack and wait for an opportunity will be better for Mancity because Real Madrid is not good at defending against the counter-attack. This could be a point for Mancity to exploit when Real is engrossed in attacking.
The most important thing to consider is whether Haaland can be guarded by multiple players from real madrid's defenders. I must say that if real madrid defenders may be performing differently compared to the what arsenal did since these clubs are now the same. Real Madrid suffered a significant loss aaginst city last season, and it would be foolish if Ancelotti did not even attempt to learn from his mistakes when city has destroyed real madrid with 5-1 as the final result. Real Madrid needs to mark some important players owned by Manchester City, but I believe City will find a solution for this considering the fact that if city is still playing very well till this time.
It is difficult to predict which strategy Real Madrid will use but i strongly believe if both of clubs will be playing safely to beat each other. They must have learned a lot from the previous season's mistake. Manchester City should not be underestimated, even though it will not be playing with its full squad but city is quite capable to destroy madrid like last season, some players are also still on fire. Real Madrid must be cautious at all times, but I believe City will defeat Madrid.
The first leg will be an away game for City, and a draw against Real Madrid will provide great momentum. City is an equal opponent to Real Madrid, and I am sure there will be plenty of surprises in the future. That being said, Madrid may also be losing to City.
I'd rather bet on both teams scoring because a draw in this game could be the worst possible outcome for Real Madrid.