Real Madrid will host Manchester City in the second leg of their Champions League play-off.
The tie stands at 3-2 in favor of Los Blancos after Jude Bellingham’s last-gasp winner at the Etihad last week.
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti dismissed Pep Guardiola’s claim that City have only a one-percent chance to progress. Ancelotti remains cautious yet confident, knowing his team holds a slight advantage.
City faces a daunting task at the Bernabéu. They have won there only once in six visits, a solitary success that came in February 2020 before the Covid-19 pandemic halted football.
Manchester City enters the match on the back of a dominant 4-0 victory over Newcastle. Meanwhile, Real Madrid settled for a draw with Osasuna—a result that cost Los Blancos their La Liga lead to Barcelona.
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Ancelotti insists his side must repeat the winning game plan from the first leg. Ancelotti noted, “We do not have a 99% chance; we have a small advantage that we must exploit.” He also highlighted referee mistakes in previous games. He pointed out that European contests feature top officials who ensure a high standard.
On the other hand, Guardiola shows little faith in City’s chances. He described the Newcastle performance as a rare bright moment and admitted that the odds of overcoming the Bernabéu remain minimal.
Guardiola reminded everyone of City’s overall struggles this season. He lamented that they finished 22nd in the Champions League table despite a strong display in their last match. The City boss stressed that day-to-day performances have fallen short.
Both managers bring distinct philosophies to Wednesday’s clash. Ancelotti plans to stick with the game plan that delivered success in the first leg, while Guardiola, though pessimistic, remains determined to fight until the end. The stage is set for an epic Champions League encounter in Madrid.