Sport
We Must Stop Real Madrid from Running and Impose Our Game to Win – Guardiola
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.
Chelsea player Enzo Fernández is in discussions to join Manchester City. This information was revealed by Fabrizio Romano, who shared that the two clubs are discussing a potential deal.
He wrote: “Enzo Fernández has a verbal agreement with Manchester City on personal terms.
“Deal depends on club-to-club decision, as #MCFC have not sent an official bid yet, but contacts will take place soon; decision on price is up to Chelsea.
“Enzo could be out again this weekend.”
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca mentions his captains for the team. He mentions Rúben Dias and Erling Haaland.
He shared “We have experienced players. For sure, we have leaders. Now we need to wait four or five more days until the transfer window closes to see if we can add one or two more captains to Ruben [Dias] and Erling , who at the moment are the two captains.”
Maresca confirmed the pair as part of his leadership group ahead of the 2026/27 season, with two more captains expected to be selected after the transfer window closes.
Chelsea manager speaks on the team and shares thoughts on considering a change in goalkeepers, giving another goalkeeper, Mike Penders, a chance.
“Penders is part of the squad, so he has an opportunity. We will decide and then I am giving the team tomorrow to the players, so I prefer to respect that they know first.”
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