Pep Guardiola has admitted that Manchester City face an uphill battle to reach the Champions League last 16, giving his side just a one percent chance of overcoming Real Madrid in Wednesday’s second leg. However, the English champions’ recent signings could provide a much-needed boost.
City squandered a 2-1 lead in the first leg at home, ultimately losing 3-2 to the title holders. The defeat highlighted a recurring issue this season—Guardiola’s ageing squad has struggled to sustain intensity, especially in high-pressure European matches.
In response, City made an uncharacteristic January spending spree, signing Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis, and Nico Gonzalez for a combined £170 million ($214 million). However, only Marmoush made a brief substitute appearance in the first leg, with Gonzalez and Khusanov unused, and Reis unregistered for Europe.
Guardiola might now rethink that decision after all three played crucial roles in City’s emphatic 4-0 win over Newcastle on Saturday. Marmoush stole the show with a first-half hat-trick, providing a much-needed goal threat alongside Erling Haaland. Khusanov, after a shaky Premier League debut against Chelsea, showcased his defensive abilities by neutralising Alexander Isak—qualities City could use against Madrid’s rapid attacking trio of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo.
However, the most significant impact might come from Gonzalez, who has brought stability to a midfield that has struggled since Rodri’s injury. Guardiola has already hailed the Barcelona academy graduate as a “mini Rodri,” and former City defender Micah Richards believes his presence could be crucial.
“The balance of the team looks much, much better with Gonzalez in it,” Richards said. “City have players who can score, but he brings stability, which they’ll need in Madrid. Do they have a better chance with him in the lineup? Without a doubt.”
Despite this renewed optimism, history is against City. Madrid has often been their nemesis in the Champions League, with their only success in four consecutive encounters coming in last season’s 5-1 aggregate win en route to lifting the trophy. Guardiola remains cautious, acknowledging that City’s form this season has been “miles away” from their best.
“The results have been poor this season,” Guardiola admitted. “Just for one game, I’m not going to change my opinion. If you ask anybody before that game, we have one percent. But as long as we have a chance, we will try. That’s for sure.”
A daunting challenge awaits at the Santiago Bernabeu, but City’s January reinforcements may yet inspire an unlikely comeback.
