Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City has a slim chance of progressing in the Champions League, but new signings like 'Mini Rodri' could provide the spark needed against Real Madrid.
That collapse was part of a wider trend this season as Guardiola's ageing squad have struggled to last the pace, particularly when the intensity is turned up on Champions League nights. Omar Marmoush However, none of them started the first leg against Madrid. Marmoush was the only one to even make an appearance for the final few minutes off the bench, as Gonzalez and Khusanov were unused substitutes and Reis was not registered in City's European squad.
Khusanov recovered from his nightmare Premier League debut against Chelsea last month when he gave away a goal inside three minutes and could have been sent-off shortly afterwards.The 20-year-old's pace helped sniff out the danger posed by Newcastle's Alexander Isak and could be what the visitors need to combat the threat of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo in the Santiago Bernabeu.
"City have got players who can score goals and hurt Real, but he brings some stability behind them, which they will need if they are to manage the game in Madrid.Yet, even at their best during the golden years of Guardiola's reign in Manchester, City have often found the might of Madrid too tough a nut to crack in the Champions League.
Side Rodri Manchester City Champions League Omar Marmoush Abdukodir Khusanov Real Madrid English Nico Gonzalez Uzbek Micah Richards European Barcelona Rodrygo Vitor Reis Newcastle Premier League Erling Haaland Lens Alexander Isak Kylian Mbappe Vinicius Junior Santiago Bernabeu Ballon D'or Etihad Chelsea Spain Spanish Afp Manchester Paris
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