Manchester City vs. Real Madrid Preview, Schedule- Champions League 2012

The most interesting match of the day will surely be between Real Madrid and Manchester City.

The Spanish champs were shut down by Borussia Dortmund in two straight games and superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has looked lost of late on this team. In Madrid's 5-1 drubbing of Athletic Bilbao the superstar was no where to be found and failed to convert any of his several chances. He leads the UCL in scoring, but was invisible in the last match against Borussia Dortmund. He is in desperate need of resuscitation in this match for a number of reasons. His team needs to lock up a Round of 16 spot and his rival Lionel Messi is running away with the Ballon d'Or 2012 competition with his record breaking performance over the last few weeks.

Look for Ronaldo to put up a stellar match in Manchester. With a win, Real Madrid moves within one point of locking up a spot in the round of 16. If Ajax wins, Madrid cannot lockup a spot in the next round. A draw or loss for Ajax and a Madrid win clinches them a spot in the next round.

The hosts have made England unhappy with a series of dreadful results. They are the only team in Group D without a win and they have been unable to put up a convincing effort thus far. They need to win their remaining matches in order to have any hopes of a Round of 16 berth, but winning does not even guarantee them a spot. If they win their last two matches, but Dortmund manages a draw with Ajax on Wedneday and Madrid manages a draw or win over Ajax in two weeks, then Man City would fail to make the Round of 16 for the second straight year.

Surprisingly, the side's UCL woes have not translated to the Premier League where they currently sit in first place with an unbeaten record. They now seem poised to defend their title after a few lackluster weeks.

Prediction: I sense a draw here. Madrid has not been particularly good of late and Man City is not going to continue putting up embarrassing results. 2-2.

Start Time: 2:45 PM EST