Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola admits his team has just a "one percent" chance of overturning Real Madrid in their Champions League clash. Despite a 3-2 first-leg loss, City remains hopeful after a 4-0 Premier League win over Newcastle. Guardiola urges his team to fight until the end.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted his team faces an uphill battle against Real Madrid in their Champions League clash, conceding they have just a "one percent" chance of advancing.
City suffered a 3-2 defeat in the first leg at the Etihad Stadium, despite holding a 2-1 lead with only minutes left on the clock. As they prepare for the return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu, Guardiola acknowledged the challenge ahead.
“The probability of turning this around is extremely low—maybe one percent,” Guardiola stated. “But as long as we have a chance, we will fight for it.”
The Spanish tactician admitted that City’s performances this season have been inconsistent, with results falling below expectations. However, he remains hopeful following their emphatic 4-0 victory over Newcastle in the Premier League, which has kept their hopes alive for a top-four finish domestically.
“We played well against Newcastle, but that alone won’t change the reality of our season,” he added. “Still, it’s always better to head into a crucial game with a positive result behind us.”
Real Madrid, a powerhouse in the Champions League, will look to capitalize on their home advantage and City’s struggles. With the second leg looming, the pressure is on Guardiola’s side to deliver a near-perfect performance to stand any chance of progressing to the next round.
