Pep: Let's try to seize this incredible opportunity

Pep Guardiola says City will need the perfect game to overhaul Real Madrid in Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg but believes the Etihad clash is an 'incredible opportunity' for his team.

Men's Team

Guéhi on UCL decider: We believe we can turn it around!

City will kick-off Tuesday night’s game trailing 3-0 from last week’s first leg at the Bernabeu.

Overcoming such a deficit would be a demanding challenge against any side, let alone a team boasting the pedigree of Real, who are 15-times European champions.

City though – especially during Guardiola’s storied reign – have relished answering the toughest of tests and conjuring up special nights at the Etihad.

And as looked ahead to the tie at Monday’s pre-match press conference, the boss said it was an occasion to both relish and cherish – and said he had no doubts his players were ready to embrace the challenge.

“It’s a football game and many things can happen. This sport has taught us that a lot of things can happen in a football game,” Pep pointed out.

“We have to focus and try to firstly win the game and then after see what happens.

“Most of them are new in this experience and we are not the same group that many years.

“But at the same time, it’s an incredible experience and opportunity to try.

Men's Team

How can I watch City v Real Madrid on TV?

“I am not concerned about creating chances, I am pretty sure we are able to do it. It’s about how we are going to defend.

“The task is massive to score three goals against Madrid isn’t easy and the result in the first leg isn’t a perfect one.

“But at the same time, we are here and at the Etihad always we can create as much momentum as possible with our people and do a good game for the talented players we have and defend well.

“It’s about the players being in their perfect positions.

“We will arrive to try to score and defend the positions better. The perfect game in many senses, for 93 minutes and we will just try and try, don’t give up.

“We can create for sure millions of chances, we know that. If we are able to be clinical and especially defend well, always we will be in the game.”

Club News

Monday Marker: Your guide to City’s week ahead

The boss also referenced previous epic comebacks at the Etihad by way of added inspiration for his team.

And he revealed he had already largely decided on his team line-up for tomorrow, with the Blues squad set to assemble earlier than usual ahead of the game for a pre-match training session.

“Aston Villa, last game to win the Premier League [in 2022 is my favourite comeback],” the boss added.

“Losing 0-2 in 74 minutes and we make three goals in 12 minutes.

“Other comebacks we did incredible things in this competition but then we were out for many little details. It has to be a perfect game in many departments.

“The people, the referee’s decisions, many things have to be good. It’s a nice experience to live again.

“We have to create a good game with our people and we will try.

Men's Team

Win tickets to City's Carabao Cup final clash with Arsenal

“There’s not really much more left to say, it’s like a final.

“It’s a perfect game to turn round.

“The selection I have already done, more or less. I know the team who will start tomorrow. I have one doubt maybe, but the rest is clear.

“There’s very few messages now, we’re all older adults. I do feel, not because I’ve spoken to them when I saw them yesterday, I know that we’re going to give it a go.

“Whether we can achieve it, I have no idea.”

See the latest instalment of a European classic in style!

Two of the best sides in the world lock horns again, with this year’s Round of 16 tie to be decided at the Etihad on Tuesday 17 March.

And you can be at the game, watching from one of our exclusive hospitality spaces!

With padded seats and an array of food and drink options, there’s something for every budget.

Check out our range of premium experiences below!

Enquire about hospitality here