The match will take place at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, a venue known for its intense atmosphere and unforgettable European nights.
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For Guardiola and Manchester City, the visit to Madrid will be another chapter in what has become a regular Champions League rivalry between the two clubs.
During the press conference, Guardiola spoke about the challenge of playing at the Bernabéu and the emotional impact that a setting like this can have on the players.
“Emotions come into play when you play badly. They can influence. It’s not our first time here, but you never know what’s going to happen.”
“Of course, good things can’t happen if you’re not yourself. You have to face your opponent, look them in the eyes, and attack.”
“Maybe you pass, maybe you have bad luck. That’s how it is in big stadiums against big teams. It’s 180 minutes, you have to control the good and bad moments.”
In front of Arbeloa
Guardiola was also asked about the tactical battle he expects against current Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa.
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Despite their common history in Spanish football, Guardiola admitted that this will be his first meeting on the wing.
“Many surprises. It’s the first time against Álvaro, I don’t know. But we know each other well.
“He knows us, there are adjustments we have to make because of his quality. But there will be no surprises.”
The Manchester City coach also referred to the fact that Real Madrid recently changed their coach.
Guardiola explained that he does not know Arbeloa personally, which limits the type of assessment he can make about his counterpart.
“I have not worked with Álvaro, I do not know him well. I give advice to people I know. I am not in a position to give advice to strangers.
“I have a good relationship with Xabi (Alonso), but not with Arbeloa.”
Problems at Real Madrid
Pep Guardiola expects a surprise from Real Madrid. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
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Even with changes on the Madrid bench, Guardiola made it clear that facing Real Madrid in the Champions League remains one of the most difficult challenges in European football.
“Real Madrid has similar problems, each coach has his own problems, he has injuries. But Madrid is always Madrid. There are only nuances.”
When asked if this year’s tie could be more balanced than previous ones, Guardiola declined to make any predictions.
“We’ll see next Tuesday. Last year we were in very bad shape. I’m not going to be the one to underestimate this club in this competition.”
One of Manchester City’s biggest tactical concerns will be dealing with the threat of Vinicius Jr., whose pace and dribbling have caused many teams problems.
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Guardiola recognized how difficult it is to control the Brazilian winger.
“It’s tough. We used to have (Kyle) Walker. He’s a constant threat. We’ll try to stay together and run back.
“Many times you can’t control it, we know that. But we will try to impose our game and involve him as little as possible.”
Guardiola was also asked about Kylian Mbappé and his situation ahead of the tie, but the City coach preferred not to go into details.
“Is my opinion important about his going to Paris? As far as I know, it wasn’t just him.
“It happens in our club too. I don’t think it’s a slight. But I’m not in a position to comment on that.”
This latest fixture will mark the fifth consecutive season in which Manchester City and Real Madrid meet in the Champions League.
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Guardiola admitted that the familiarity between both clubs makes the tie even more interesting.
“I can’t focus on how Madrid is, I don’t see them every day. I don’t know the reality. I focus on how we have been in the last games.
“I have no other option. Then whatever happens, happens. It is true that it is a lot. They treat us well, we eat well and we will dine well. And we know that we have to be at our best.”
Source: AS