Pep Guardiola admits that beating Real Madrid in both legs of their Champions League quarter-final tie is “impossible” for Manchester City.
The two sides meet at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night with kickoff set for 8pm GMT in a repeat of last year’s semi-final matchup.
Man City advanced to the final in Istanbul after beating the Spanish giants 4-0 at home and 5-1 on aggregate on their way to completing the Treble.
Guardiola, who has vast experience in facing Real Madrid, is expecting a tough test from the 14-time winners.
“It is very difficult for the same thing to happen again,” the Catalan said in his pre-match press conference.
“Beating Real Madrid twice in a row is impossible. They have learned and will want revenge. They have pride.”
Real Madrid are hoping home advantage will play a big role in the outcome of the tie after they were granted permission to close the roof of the stadium for the first leg. Supporters are also set to display a 360 degree Tifo prior to kick-off as they seek to create a hostile atmosphere for the visitors.
Guardiola says that defender Josko Gvardiol is touch-and-go to play on Tuesday. “He travelled but he is a doubt. It is what it is,” he said.
“Injuries are part of a long season but unfortunately in a decisive part of the season we have a number of injuries in the same area and we have to find a solution.”
The 30-year-old was among the substitutes for Saturday’s 4-2 win over Crystal Palace as Stefan Ortega kept his starting spot. The German has kept two clean sheets in four games since coming into the first XI.
“I have to think about it. He [Ederson] feels good,” said Guardiola.
“Now I have to decide if a lack of rhythm for that match, I have to decide, but we are really pleased with the [performance] from Stefan Ortega. He is an exceptional keeper.”
Nathan Ake and Kyle Walker have not travelled to Madrid for the match.
Read – Five who played for both Real Madrid and Man City
Read More – Rodrygo admits Real Madrid ‘didn’t want’ Man City draw
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