UCL: Guardiola plays down Man City’s chances against Real Madrid

Pep Guardiola has downplayed Manchester City’s chances of overcoming Real Madrid in their Champions League round of 16 second-leg clash.

The English giants manager insists his side only has a “one percent” chance of progressing.

Despite thrashing Newcastle 4-0 in the Premier League, Guardiola remains cautious, pointing to City’s inconsistency this season.

The defending champions lost the first leg 3-2 at the Etihad, despite twice leading through Erling Haaland’s goals.

“The margin to win in Bernabéu is minimal. If you ask before the game, the percentage to go through, I don’t know, we arrive at one percent.

“But as much as we have a chance, we will try, that’s for sure,” Guardiola added.

City have struggled for form, finishing 22nd in the league stage, and Guardiola admitted their performances have been far from their usual high standards.

However, he believes the victory over Newcastle provides a confidence boost ahead of the trip to Spain.

On the availability of key defenders Ruben Dias and Nathan Aké, Guardiola said: “I hope so. Ruben wasn’t ready for 90 minutes, and Nathan was sick after the Madrid game, but we’ll see.”

City face Madrid at the Bernabéu on Wednesday, needing a strong performance to overturn their first-leg deficit.