Pep Guardiola has shared what Manchester City must do to get past Real Madrid in their upcoming Champions League play-off clash. The City boss believes his team needs to take control across both legs to stand a chance against the defending champions.

City and Madrid are battling for a spot in the Round of 16, with the first leg set for Tuesday at the Etihad Stadium. Neither side secured automatic qualification, making this a crucial tie.

Speaking ahead of the match, Guardiola acknowledged the attacking power of Madrid and the challenge they pose. “Trying to fully control their attack over two games is impossible. They have incredible players,” he said.

“The key is to limit their influence as much as we can. When we have the ball, we need to be smart and stop them from getting into dangerous spaces. Our goal is to impose our style and get a strong result before heading to the Bernabeu.”

Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti’s squad hasn’t been in top form recently, winning just one of their last three matches in all competitions. Madrid still boasts serious firepower with Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior leading the charge.

Mbappe has already netted 22 goals and provided three assists in 34 appearances this season, while Vinicius, despite injury setbacks, has managed 16 goals and 10 assists in 29 games.