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Can Man City and Real Madrid find key improvements?published at 13:47 11 February
13:47 11 February
Chris Collinson BBC Sport statistician
Image source, Getty Images
With Manchester City and Real Madrid set to face each other in the Champions League once again - this time in a play-off to reach the knockout stage - we have picked out some of their key stats from the the League Phase.
Manchester City took 148 shots – only Bayern Munich (185) and PSG (149) took more.
Pep Guardiola's side conceded 14 goals – only Feyenoord (21) conceded more among teams that reached the knock-out stage
Real Madrid faced 115 shots – only Feyenoord (125) faced more among teams that reached the knock-out stage (City faced 88)
The La Liga giants had the worst defence among teams that reached the knock-out stage in terms of expected goals (15.1 xG against) - but overperformed slightly, conceding 12 goals (City's xGA was 11.2, conceded 14)
'These are special, special nights to be involved with'published at 13:04 11 February
13:04 11 February
Image source, Getty Images
Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast about Manchester City's Champions League tie against Real Madrid: "These are two teams who, at the moment, if they described their seasons, they would be talking about their problems. They're not 'stable', I think that was the word used by Pep Guardiola yesterday.
"I think it will be one of those spectacles that will be a lot to do with the quality but even more, because of the way the season is going, on their mistakes and their problems."
Ex-City midfielder Michael Brown: "City have to try to have a go at it. You've got to get into the wider areas and use some pace, and maybe be a little bit more direct into Erling Haaland. If City just sit there and be too patient, they've got that attack and the counter is going to be very quick.
"It's one of those games when you turn up and start watching the two managers, the players, the whole atmosphere - these are special, special nights to be involved with.
"If City can take a lead into the reverse game, that would be fantastic. I'd take 2-1, you do expect Madrid to get a goal with the way City have been conceding."
Manchester City's Kevin de Bruyne has been directly involved in eight goals in eight Champions League appearances against Real Madrid (four goals, four assists).
It is the joint most by any player in the competition's history (also eight by Giovane Elber) and he is also the only player to score and assist in a Champions League game against Real on multiple occasions (February 2020 and April 2022).
The perfect Rodri replacement?published at 08:25 11 February
08:25 11 February
Freddie Pye Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Some 22 minutes is all we needed to find out that Nico Gonzalez is everything Manchester City have possibly been looking for when it comes to a capable stand-in for Rodri, and a player who can continue to hold a starting place upon the Ballon d'Or winner's return.
Thrust straight into the action in the heat of an FA Cup battle with Leyton Orient at an atmospheric Brisbane Road, the 23-year-old showed composure, physicality, an eye for a forward pass and an outstanding positional awareness at the base of City's midfield trio.
Pep Guardiola has already said he views the former Barcelona midfielder as a versatile option capable of operating as a deep-lying anchor, the link between defence and attack, and even as a forward-thinking playmaker.
One pass from the base of City's midfield lofted over the top of an Orient defensive line camped in and around their own penalty area, right into the feet of Savinho running in behind, was everything Guardiola's side have been missing in Rodri's absence.
When faced with a low block, City have become increasingly predictable and been desperately needing a player who can unlock a defence.
And perhaps a player born into the La Masia blueprint and an ideology mastered by Guardiola is the answer to a large share of the club's problems during the first half of the season.
In Gonzalez, the Premier League champions have found a name that has given the rest of their entire season some hope and a clearer route to silverware, a top-four finish - and perhaps even extended progression in the Champions League.
It will not only bring a smile to the face of Guardiola and Manchester City supporters, but also to Rodri, who has been crying out for capable support since his emergence as the mainstay defensive midfield star.
City test 'seems like it's a Clasico' - Ancelottipublished at 07:30 11 February
07:30 11 February
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Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti says it is a "nightmare" preparing to face a Pep Guardiola team because the Spaniard has "ideas that make you think".
Manchester City and Real will rekindle their modern rivalry later on Tuesday with the first leg of their Champions League play-off at Etihad Stadium.
The two sides will be meeting for the fourth time in four seasons - becoming just the fourth fixture to reach that milestone.
"It seems like it's a Clasico because we have played each other a lot of times in this competition," Ancelotti said.
"It will be a difficult game, hard to predict. It will depend a lot on the attitude and confidence of the teams. It's such a high-level game you have to be your best at every aspect.
"They are one of the best teams in Europe and they have the best manager out there so I think it's the most difficult game we can face - regardless of form."
Ask our pundit: Send in your questions for Nedum Onuohapublished at 18:26 10 February
18:26 10 February
Is there something you want to ask about a Premier League club?
Former Premier League defender Nedum Onuoha is ready to answer your burning questions and give his thoughts on some of the biggest talking points for a special Q&A.
City players must 'step up' after Walker exit - Diaspublished at 14:06 10 February
14:06 10 February
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester City defender Ruben Dias says other players must "step up" after captain Kyler Walker's exit in January.
Walker joined AC Milan after winning six Premier League titles at City under Pep Guardiola, having joined the club from Tottenham in 2017 in a £50m deal.
"He was a big personality, especially at times like this," Dias said before Tuesday's play-off round first leg against Real Madrid.
"He was always one to show up, show his face and be there for the team.
"He was a player we all relied on. He's not here now, so it's time for another one to step up."
Walker's pace has helped him perform impressively against Madrid forwards Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe in the past, but Dias believes City have options to cope.
"We don't know who's going to play [on Tuesday] but we have options to replace Walker, he added.
"But it's the collective that will make the difference and we don't focus on any individual player of our opponent.
"We know they have the special ability to be more flexible maybe than most other teams.
"The more solid we can be, the more comfortable we will be in the game."
Guardiola on 'deserving' a play-off, job security and Real Madridpublished at 13:10 10 February
13:10 10 February
Nat Hayward BBC Sport journalist
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been speaking to the media before Tuesday's Champions League play-off first leg against Real Madrid at Etihad Stadium (20:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Guardiola says he "still has doubts about injuries" but did not comment specifically on new signing Nico Gonzalez, who went off injured on his debut at Leyton Orient on Saturday.
On results in the league phase causing City to face a play-off: "We have not done quite well, we deserve to be where we are. The draw is the draw and we accept the challenge. When you finish 22nd out of 24, you cannot ask for any favours. We didn't get enough points to even be close to the [top] eight."
On the challenge posed by Real Madrid: "Their front players are exceptional. They have the ability for short, long passes so we have to impose our game. They are top of the league and fighting against Atletico Madrid and Barcelona. We will have to make two good games to beat them."
When asked if poor results make him fear for his job, Guardiola said: "No. I don't know if a doctor or an architect will be asked about his position. I am here because of what I have won in previous seasons. I don't think I am going to be thrown out on to the street."
On what beating Real could mean for City's season: "If we win it will be a big boost for the remainder of the season. I know how we want to play, I know they are looking forward to the game tomorrow. We cannot forget that a decade ago we weren't here."
On playing the first leg at Etihad Stadium: "It's always better to have the game at home second with your own people, but we didn't deserve it."
Leyton Orient 1-2 Man City - the fans' verdictpublished at 09:59 10 February
09:59 10 February
Media caption,
Man City come from behind to beat Orient
We asked for your views on Manchester City's victory against Leyton Orient in the FA Cup.
Here are some of your comments:
John: Lethargic as usual. Very lucky to go through. We need to get the ball quicker up to the forwards before the defence has chance to settle.
Andrew: Plenty of players rested but enjoyed the game. Thought Khusanov played well and showed a good combination with Stones. Literally a touch of class from De Bruyne - who else? Lewis is great but needs Stones or Dias behind him for security. Sorry to see Nico go off and that hip will be sore - very unlucky.
Abdullah: Not the best performance. You can see that Marmoush needs time to settle. A lucky win. We are struggling against teams we shouldn't be but all in all a good win and it kept us safe from a shock (for now).
Zuhaan: City need to convert their chances and prevent counters from the opposition. It's a massive shame that Nico Gonzalez had to go off. I was really looking forward to watching him play. I am really happy that Khusanov got his first goal for City. We could have been so much better but at least we were resilient enough to come back. City should really go for the FA Cup this season as it is always nice to have silverware.
Brian: This was a struggle from the first minute. Man City did have positive attempts on goal but Grealish was unconvincing with the ball and his distribution is poor. City were clearly at sea in defence and a swift ball into the box is a weakness point. We won but not in a convincing fashion. This was a good opportunity to gel players who are new to the club. The uneven surface probably contributed to the loss of possession at times. City can and must do better.
Phil Foden made his 300th appearance in all competitions for Manchester City. He's the sixth player to play 300 times under Pep Guardiola, and the first player under-25 to reach the milestone.
'A typical FA Cup game'published at 15:04 8 February
15:04 8 February
Image source, Getty Images
Pep Guardiola spoke to BBC Sport after Manchester City's victory against Leyton Orient: "We played a really good game, it was a typical FA Cup game - that's why this competition is unbelievable. We knew that they were strong and they'd run in the channels. They are a really good team and incredibly well managed but we created a lot of chances. I'm happy to go through."
On whether he felt his side struggled in the first-half: "I don't think so. The first 10/15 minutes maybe but after the fantastic goal that they had - we took the game and created a lot of chances."
On whether he was frustrated that he had to bring on Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne: "Absolutely not, that is why they are here. We talk this competition incredibly seriously and we thought it was the best decision to make. I am happy for Kevin's goal, his movement was really good.
On Nico Gonzalez's injury: "Welcome to the Premier League and the referees. Maybe he knew about the referees because I understand it's not easy. It's not easy to do something when you play against teams like in League One."
Image source, Getty Images
