The title champions of the Premier League welcomed Los Blancos for the fourth consecutive season in the middle of the week and let go of a 2-1 advance at the end of the match. Brahim Diaz and Jude Bellingham's end-of-game goals overturned the trend for the supporters of the European title, offering them a 3-2 victory in the first leg.
Carlo Ancelotti now has the advantage in the race for the knockout stages next month, Guardiola having to produce something special in Madrid on February 19. City has not won during its last three trips to the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, its only victory dating back to 2020.
Pep Guardiola reflects
The Swiss international Manuel Akanji was withdrawn at halftime from the first leg and Guardiola has now confirmed a key injury problem for former defender of Borussia Dortmund. “He was operated on a groin injury on Saturday. He will be absent for eight to ten weeks “He said. Guardiola was to do without Akanji for the second match, but the duration of his absence is a major setback for one of his usual holders, at a crucial time of the season.
Visitors must now develop a plan to replace Akanji with Jack Grenish, also uncertain for the trip to Madrid. Matheus nunes could be responsible for trying to stop Vinicius junior. Rico Lewis is also an option, but Guardiola may not want to overexpose it in this type of match, against a player of the Brazilian level.
