Manchester City will renew their continental rivalry with Real Madrid in a blockbuster Champions League showdown at the Santiago Bernabeu later tonight.
A rotation-heavy Manchester City side were beaten 2-0 by Bayer Leverkusen, with Alejandro Grimaldo and Patrick Schick punishing Guardiola’s wholesale substitutions.
advertise
Guardiola admitted afterwards that making 10 changes may have pushed the envelope, a gamble that has now left his side excluded from automatic qualification.
City are 12th with 10 points from a possible 15, level with Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea but behind both sides on goal difference.
Tonight’s result is likely to ratchet up the pressure even further as several teams are on the edge of their seat.
After falling prey to Bayer Leverkusen, City returned to domestic matters with a vengeance, beating Leeds United, Fulham and Sunderland, although the latter was more convincing than the first two teams.
Nonetheless, the 2023 Treble winners appear to have rediscovered their rhythm after three consecutive Premier League wins.
advertise
They must now carry that form into the Champions League as they prepare to face familiar foes in Madrid.
City are well aware of the danger posed by the Spanish giants, having eliminated them 6-3 on aggregate last season.
In fact, they have only won one of their past seven trips to the Bernabeu, adding to Guardiola’s headache.
How Manchester City ranks
Guardiola has blamed himself for a series of changes that culminated in a 2-0 defeat against their German opponents on English soil.
That said, it would be no surprise if the Spanish tactician decides to stay in the side that beat Sunderland 3-0 at the weekend.
advertise
However, there is likely to be at least one change in the starting XI, but it will not affect Gianluigi Donnarumma’s place between the sticks.
The trusty backline of Nico O’Reilly, Josco Gvardiol, Ruben Dias and Matheus Nunez should also remain intact, especially after keeping a clean sheet at the weekend.
Nico Gonzalez should continue in Rodri’s place, with Tijani Reynders replacing Bernardo Silva.
The 27-year-old should line up alongside Jeremy Doku, Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki, who is set to make his first start in the Champions League.
Erling Braut Haaland is expected to lead the charge.
