Man City primed for Real Madrid with Haaland fit, Guardiola urges no fear
Trent Alexander-Arnold, now at Real Madrid, was tenuously linked with Man City amid early injury issues. Pep Lijnders, now on City’s staff, long praised Trent’s leadership and hybrid role potential.
Ex-ref Keith Hackett says Guardiola cannot complain after his sixth yellow versus Newcastle triggers a two-game ban. Pep insists he was defending Doku after a foul he felt was missed.
TNT Sports 1 shows Real Madrid vs Man City, 8pm GMT kick-off, with Discovery+ for streaming. City won 2-1 at the Bernabeu in December and have near full attacking options.
Guardiola urges City to be ‘who you are’ at Real Madrid, insisting no fear at the Bernabeu. He reports an almost fully fit squad, including Haaland, and targets a top first-leg display before the Etihad.
City eye Borussia Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha as a midfield option amid uncertainty over Bernardo Silva and Rodri. Dortmund want to keep him but could sell for a big offer.
Haaland trains and travels for Real Madrid, boosting City. Kovacic back in training but out, with Gvardiol and Lewis also sidelined. Guardiola says there will be ‘no surprises’ in his plan.
Real Madrid vs Man City is level historically (5-5-5). City won 2-1 at the Bernabeu in December. Haaland has 56 in 56 in the UCL. City have lost only three of their last 18 vs Spanish teams.
Girona’s Vitor Reis shows Guardiola-style traits: 90.7% passing, strong aerials, elite shot blocking and availability. Could slot into City’s rotation if Stones or Ake depart.
