Manchester City travel to 13 time European champions Real Madrid this evening in their last 16 Champions League knockout tie. While this is just the first knockout tie, there can be no hiding the fixture has mammoth implications on the prospect of both sides reaching the latter stages of the prestigious competition. Guardiola has not won an away match in his last 10 Champions League knockout ties in the quarter-final, and beyond, this game comes one round short of that stage of the competition. Still, it is symbolic of an issue the Spaniard has consistently been accused of.
The latest iteration of the accusation was in last season’s quarter-final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, as once again Guardiola was questioned on whether he had over thought the encounter. The two-time winner of the competition must not allow the same accusation to be made of his Manchester City side this evening, and the way to do so is by focusing on themselves, as opposed to being overly concerned by the opposition.
The Citizens have a hoard of outstanding attacking assets, and they must remain focused on ensuring their players are tactically set up to hurt Madrid. That starts with fielding the 4-3-3 formation they have used in four of their last five Premier League matches, which allows Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva licence to roam in midfield. Fernandinho must then be pushed in front of the defence to provide balance and stop Los Blancos further up the pitch. The move will allow an attacking trio of Raheem Sterling, Sergio Aguero and Riyad Mharez to thrive playing their usual game, as opposed to attempting to undertake specialist instructions.
Throughout the past two full seasons domestically Guardiola’s side have been imperious, lifting five of the six trophies available to them. Additionally, this term the Sky Blues have outscored league leaders Liverpool, averaging over 2.5 goals per game to register 68 in 27 matches, as per the BBC. On their day Manchester City can dominate any side in Europe, but the key to ensuring they do so against Real Madrid is to avoid making the same mistakes as they have done over previous Champions League campaigns. With a whirlwind of attacking prowess, they can outscore the tournament’s most successful club, and a flurry of away goals could see City book their place in the last eight.
