“The margin is 1%,” Pep Guardiola NOT hopeful of turnaround against Real Madrid in Champions League

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola highlighted the one percent chance his side has, against Real Madrid in the UCL play-offs, away from home.

“The margin is 1%,” Pep Guardiola NOT hopeful of turnaround against Real Madrid in Champions League

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola admitted that his side has a one-percent chance to win against Real Madrid. (via TNT Sports)

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola described his side’s chances against Real Madrid, admitting that they only have a 1% chance of winning the match. The two clubs face each other in the second-leg of a UCL play-offs encounter at the Bernabeu.

Pep Guardiola‘s side travels to the Spanish capital, with an uphill task of a turnaround to make it through to the Champions League last 16. Man City lost the first-leg, hosted at the Etihad stadium, 3-2, owing to a stoppage-time winner from Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham. City lost their lead in the final minutes of the first-leg, giving the Los Blancos a much-needed goal advantage.

YouTube video

At the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, the two sides face each other for the fifth consecutive time in the UCL knock-out stages. The Premier League defending champions will be hoping to continue with their good form, after having most recently triumphed 4-0 against Newcastle United. Meanwhile, opponents Real Madrid are on a two-match win-less run in the Spanish league.

Speaking to the media, Man City boss Pep Guardiola highlighted the club’s chances of qualifying into the UCL last-16. He interestingly stated that his side will step into the Bernabeu with a 1% chance. Guardiola added that Man City has been under-performing this season, and remains miles away from the UCL title. However, he urged his players to capitalize on the limited chances they would have throughout the match.

The margin to win in Bernabeu in that position, the percentage to go through, I don’t know, we arrive at one percent, it will be minimal, but as much as you have a chance, we will try, that’s for sure.

Pep Guardiola to reporters (H/T GOAL)

Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola has received a major boost ahead of Man City’s clash against Real Madrid, with center-back duo Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake set to make a return. The two defenders were omitted from the squad for their match against Newcastle.

Pep Guardiola reveals nature of Erling Haaland’s Injury ahead of Real Madrid clash

Manchester City front-man Erling Haaland caused a scare in the club’s 4-0 win against Newcastle, after he had to be taken off with a knee-injury in the 88th minute. However, manager Pep Guardiola played down rumors of an ACL injury, while providing an update on the player’s fitness.

Pep Guardiola on Erling Haaland injury
Man City boss Pep Guardiola provided a positive update on Erling Haaland’s injury. (via Mirror)

The Norwegian forward was substituted off against the Magpies, after he dropped to the ground while holding his right knee in pain. While it left fans scrambling, Guardiola later reassured fans about Haaland’s physical condition. He confirmed that the 24-year-old forward would be fit in time, to feature for Man City in their upcoming UCL clash against Real Madrid.

When he went down, everyone was scared. But he walked off smiling and the doctor didn’t tell me bad news, so hopefully, he is fine. I have not spoken to the doctor. Maybe it’s not as bad as it could be.

Pep Guardiola on Erling Haaland’s injury (H/T EuroSport)

Moreover, Haaland also posted a picture of himself enjoying a meal after the match, brushing aside rumors of a serious injury. He and Omar Marmoush will be pivotal, as Man City faces the UCL holders in the second-leg at the Bernabeu.