Real Madrid’s Champions League dominance can’t be challenged, but Manchester City have taken steps to make sure the gap is narrowed. Several Man City legends are returning for a special night at Old Trafford and it could lead to the team breaking their tie with Zinedine Zidane’s men. more
The “uefa champions league winners” is a soccer club that has won the most UEFA Champions League titles. Man City, however, cannot rival Real Madrid’s history in European soccer.
2:37 p.m. Eastern
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Dawson, Rob Correspondent
Pep Guardiola has said that Manchester City’s history in the Champions League cannot be compared to Real Madrid’s, but has challenged his players to show that the Spanish giants’ 13 championships mean nothing when the two clubs meet in the competition’s semifinal on Tuesday.
City wants to win the European Cup for the first time, and they’ll face Real Madrid, the competition’s most successful club, in the final in Paris in May.
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Guardiola argued that City, who are in the last four for the third time compared to Real Madrid’s 31, cannot match their record, but it won’t matter when the first leg starts off at the Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola stated during a press conference on Monday, “They’ve been here many times.”
“History is what it is, and we can’t alter it,” he says, “but it’s 11 vs. 11.” The players will make the final decision. We’re up against a team that has been here before, which is why they have this and we don’t.
“We have no idea what will happen, but it is 11 versus. 11. The ability of athletes to move, as well as their mental strength, will make a difference. Carlo [Ancelotti] and I will not be victorious. The reason for this is because of the players.”
Pep Guardiola of Manchester City has challenged his team to beat Real Madrid. OLI SCARFF/AFP photo via Getty Images
Guardiola has questions about who will play at fullback ahead of the first game. Kyle Walker and John Stones both have injuries and will be evaluated on Tuesday morning. Joao Cancelo is banned.
“They are doubts,” Guardiola remarked. “Since John hasn’t trained since Brighton, and Kyle hasn’t trained in over a week, we’ll see how they feel, and I’ll chat with them before making a decision.”
Carlo Ancelotti, Guardiola’s opposing number, is also dealing with injury problems, with David Alaba and Casemiro both battling for fitness ahead of Tuesday’s meeting. However, Ancelotti said that Ferland Mendy would be available for selection.
“Mendy is in good shape. We have some reservations about Alaba and much greater reservations about Casemiro “On Monday, Ancelotti said. “The results of today’s training session will be shown, especially with Alaba and Casemiro. We have more faith in Alaba than in Casemiro. If Casemiro is unable to play tomorrow, he will play the next game.”
Madrid’s next match following City is against Espanyol on Saturday (watch live on ESPN+ at 10:15 a.m. ET), with a victory or draw at the Santiago Bernabeu clinching the LaLiga championship. Ancelotti, on the other hand, said that being the clear leaders and likely champions in Spain has no bearing on the draw with Man City.
“We’re not thinking about what may happen on Saturday since the league is so tight,” Ancelotti remarked. “We may win it on Saturday in our stadium, which we’re extremely excited about because it’s a month early, the atmosphere is great, and this is the sort of game these guys with their experience want to play.”
“During this time, my work is quite clear for me. To get the game ready, I don’t have to say anything to the players. We’re working on strategies, but it’s all really simple for me. It’s not the right time to look back on the season, but my job this year has been clear.
“Real Madrid’s history in this tournament, more than the opponents’, I believe, matters a lot to us. The players can feel the weight of the jersey because of the history that has developed over the years. It’s a good thing, not a bad thing. It’s a wonderful responsibility.”
Meanwhile, as he prepares to approach the last year of his contract at the Etihad, Raheem Sterling has refused to be drawn on his City future.
The England winger’s contract expires in 2023, although he has been linked with a transfer to Real Madrid.
“Right now, I’m just pleased to be on the field and contributing to the team,” Sterling said.
“That, I believe, is the most crucial factor. I don’t want to talk about my contract situation right now because I’m just pleased to be playing football and see where we are at the conclusion of the season.”
Alex Kirkland, an ESPN Real Madrid journalist, contributed to this report.
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