Manchester City-Real Madrid: Guardiola on this classic clash

Manchester City and Real Madrid meet once again in the Champions League. It is a duel that is beginning to resemble an annual fixture, as the two clubs cross swords so often on the European stage. Pep Guardiola spoke to FIFA.com about this latest clash and the challenges that await his team in an overcrowded schedule.

Manchester City and Real Madrid have met for the fourth time in a row and the fifth time in six years. In the last edition, Madrid came out on top on penalties, avenging the 4-0 humiliation they suffered in the second leg the previous year. This season, however, the two teams meet a little earlier in the competition. Having failed to qualify directly for the last 16, Real Madrid and Manchester City will meet in the play-offs. When asked about the draw, Pep Guardiola confided his feelings, and let’s face it, he’s not serene and delighted to be facing Carlo Ancelotti’s men.

We will face Real Madrid in the @ChampionsLeague knockout phase play-off! 💪 pic.twitter.com/rweVSjUUk0

— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 31, 2025

‘It’s almost become a derby. Four years in a row against Real is special. Bayern and Madrid are two of the greatest teams, and it will be another huge challenge. We’re going to try to be ready, with the first leg at home before the return at the Bernabéu,’ he began in statements relayed by Digital Bernabéu. This duel has become a classic in European football, pitting two very distinct styles against each other. On the one hand, the tactical rigour and possession advocated by Guardiola, and on the other, the experience and efficiency of Real Madrid, driven by their competitive DNA.

Guardiola panics in the face of a hellish schedule

While the opposition against Real Madrid is already shaping up to be a perilous affair, the Spanish coach points to another obstacle: the back-to-back fixtures. ‘Playing Madrid is always complicated, but the real problem is what happens in between those games. We have Newcastle to deal with, and the calendar has never been kind to us,’ he said with a touch of irony. The Premier League imposes a frenetic pace, and Guardiola regrets that England does not follow the example of other leagues: ‘In some countries, we play on the Friday before a Champions League match to give us an extra day of rest. That’s never the case here. The broadcasters decide, and we have to adapt.’

Man City vs Real Madrid 🍿#UCLdraw pic.twitter.com/Buj7fiLzQl

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) January 31, 2025

This lack of rest between games can take its toll on the body, especially in the run-up to the finals when every detail counts. The Spanish coach knows that he will have to juggle between his regular starters and his substitutes to avoid a dip in performance at the key moment. Faced with such a backlog of fixtures, Guardiola will have to find the right formula to preserve his key players while remaining competitive.

For their part, Ancelotti’s men are determined to retain their crown. The Santiago Bernabéu will once again be the scene of a crucial clash. A European classic that promises to produce yet more sparks. As well as simply qualifying for the next round, this duel represents a battle of egos between two of Europe’s biggest clubs. European football is holding its breath ahead of this titanic clash. Who will come out on top this time? Find out on the pitch.