by Pep Guardiola assesses Manchester City’s chances to beat Real Madrid this week as low as one percent.
City is faced with an intimidating task to reach the last 16 of the Champions League after losing the first stage of their draw against 3-2 holders last week.
On Wednesday, the return match in Bernabeu, the chances are stacked against the English champions, which endured a frustrating campaign.
However, supported by an unexpected 4-0 victory 4-0 against the first four rivals of Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday, City will travel at least in the hope, if not the expectation.
Manager Guardiola said: “There are a lot of games, we did not play at the level we wanted and, in the end, we lost.
“Then it was not only the three points, but how it affected our minds for the next match. It happened several times.
“Of course, this victory helps us but, listen, the margin to win at the Bernabeu from this position, everyone knows, the percentage to go, we arrive at one percent. Or I don’t know what, but it will be minimal.
“But as much as you have a chance that we are trying, that’s for sure. We are going as we have always done, but this season, the reality is that we have been miles away. We were really, really poor in performance and results this season.
“For a match on Saturday, we played very well but it will not change opinion, reality. But, of course, it is better to go to Madrid with this result. »»
City was a few minutes from an excellent result in the first game at the Etihad stadium after a second goal from Erling Haaland put them 2-1.
The tie complexion has completely changed after the former city player Brahim Diaz and the international in England Jude Bellingham hit the last moments quickly.
Guardiola said: “So, at the end, OK, the opportunity is minor because the result was not good.
“Five minutes to do, with 2-1, it would have been different but, even if you have a chance, we will take it and we will see what will happen.”
