Manchester City have been drawn against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League playoffs, and for the first time in at least four seasons, Pep Guardiola’s men approach this game from a position of weakness.
The Cityzens are having a shockingly disappointing season, and a top-four finish in the Premier League will be seen as success, considering what they’ve had to deal with over the past three months.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, are peaking at the right time after a slow start to the campaign. Kylian Mbappe has bounced back to find his best form, and Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham complete a formidable foursome.
Despite the odds being against them, there are three reasons why Manchester City can still overcome Real Madrid over two legs:
1. Pep Guardiola
You can never write Pep Guardiola off, no matter the circumstances. He led City to an unprecedented treble against the odds and has dominated English football for five or six seasons. If there’s anyone who can pull a rabbit out of the hat, Pep can.
2. A Fully Fit Squad
The likes of Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, Jeremy Doku, John Stones, and others will be fully fit when this match comes around, which offers Guardiola the defensive solidity to go against Madrid’s high-powered attack.
Doku represents an x-factor off the bench should he be required. City with a fully fit squad will be dangerous to anyone.
3. Motivated by Revenge
Manchester City were knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid on penalties last season, after dominating the game virtually from start to finish.
The agony of the shootout will remain vivid in their minds, and the feeling of revenge could push them even further. It is much of the same team on both sides, excluding Mbappe, who will be eager to make his mark against the English giants.
However, City’s desire for revenge could be a bigger factor.
The odds are against them, but Manchester City have the talent, the experience, and the motivation to overcome Real Madrid. It will be a tough task, but with Pep Guardiola at the helm, anything is possible.
