Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola said his side were well aware of Real Madrid’s habit of producing their best in tough times, with a string of injuries having depleted the visitors’ defence ahead of today’s Champions League playoff.
Real and City failed to advance automatically to the last 16 as one of the top eight sides in the Champions League table after they finished 11th and 22nd, respectively, in the new league-phase format and have to play a two-legged playoff. The clubs will clash for a fourth consecutive year, having met in four Champions League knockout ties since 2020.
In the first leg of the playoff tie at the Etihad today, La Liga leaders Real will be without key defenders Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao and David Alaba. “I think both teams have had problems in terms of injuries during the season. Madrid handled it much better than us because they are still top of the league and fighting against Atletico Madrid,” Guardiola said.
“That shows again the consistency they have. At the end they are a huge competitor. We know it. We have faced it many times with them and how in the tough moments they bring the best of them – we know it. Of course we have to make two good games to go through.”
Since the sides’ met last year, Real have strengthened an already formidable attack with the acquisition of Kylian Mbappe, who is supported by Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr. Guardiola said it would be impossible to shut out Real’s forwards, adding: “They are exceptional. How they combine, the runners, the ability one-against-one, how they keep the ball, all four are exceptional. Everybody knows it, so you have to reduce that involvement as much as possible, knowing that it’s going to happen, accept it.”
Defender Ruben Dias said the campaign has been his most challenging since joining City in 2020, but the Portuguese international stressed he was still optimistic about the club’s chances in the Champions League. “I’m a firm believer that even in the most difficult scenario, most difficult beginning, you can still do something and achieve something beautiful in the end,” he said. “Right now, we are still in that position. Obviously we know how difficult our opposition is and how difficult our way will be to get there. “But it’s a question of believing in what we have in the dressing room and we have loads of talent. We just have to use them in the right way. With the right belief, we are able to do anything.”
Man City still worst opponent for Real Madrid, says Ancelotti
Meanwhile, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti believes the winner of his side’s Champions League play-off clash with Manchester City will be among the favourites to lift the trophy. The victor in the tie between Real and City has gone on to win the Champions League in each of the past three seasons and Ancelotti expects the streak could continue.
“Yes, the most difficult opponent, most important opponent and against the best manager,” Ancelotti said at a pre-match press conference yesterday. “I’m convinced the team that goes through in this tie will go very deep into the competition.”
City won just once in 13 games in a torrid spell between the end of October and December. Guardiola’s men have picked up slightly in 2025, but their frailties were still exposed in a 5-1 thrashing by Arsenal in their last Premier League match.
Ancelotti expressed his surprise at that run but believes City still have the players and coach to do damage to the Champions League holders. “I continue to think City is one of the best teams in Europe and that they have the best coach in this competition. It is still the most difficult game we could have,” he said.
“I am surprised they had a period where it was difficult to overcome the injuries but now the team I saw in the last few games is a good team, a competitive team. I struggle to imagine Manchester City not being strong. They are really strong with fantastic players and a fantastic manger.”
Ancelotti will have to field a makeshift defence after Lucas Vazquez became his latest injury casualty.
Midfielders Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde are expected to start in the back four alongside Raul Asencio and Ferland Mendy.