Guardiola Acknowledges Playing Mind Games About City's 1% Chance Against Real Madrid

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Pep Guardiola acknowledged he was engaging in psychological tactics when he claimed Manchester City had just a 1% chance of defeating Real Madrid in the Champions League play-offs. The Premier League champions are trailing 3-2 as they approach Wednesday's second leg, following a late setback that saw Madrid win at the Etihad Stadium last week.

Erling Haaland initially put City ahead before Kylian Mbappe equalised. Brahim Diaz then nullified Haaland's penalty, with Guardiola's team almost securing a late victory. Jude Bellingham's stoppage-time goal kept Madrid in control, prompting Guardiola to suggest City's chances of advancing were slim.

Carlos Ancelotti humorously remarked that even Guardiola didn't believe his own pessimistic prediction. The City manager confirmed he was attempting to influence Madrid's mindset with those statements. "I lied about the 1% chance. For the first time, I lied," Guardiola said with a smile during his press conference.

Despite the setback, Guardiola received some positive news as top scorer Haaland participated in training on Tuesday after leaving Saturday's 4-0 victory over Newcastle United due to an apparent knee issue. Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, and Jack Grealish also trained after missing the Newcastle match, though Guardiola remained tight-lipped about their participation.

City's defeat in the first leg marked the fifth instance they have lost the opening leg of a Champions League knockout stage tie, having been eliminated on all four previous occasions. "After the 3-2, nobody gave a penny for us. It's not the best result, but we can do it," Guardiola stated confidently.

Real Madrid has advanced from 37 of their last 39 ties when winning the first leg away from home in Europe, failing only against Odense Boldklub (1994-95 UEFA Cup) and Ajax (2018-19 Champions League). This statistic underscores the challenge City faces in overturning their deficit at Madrid's home ground.

The Importance of Courage and Performance

Guardiola emphasised the need for bravery and self-belief as they head to Spain. "Have to play with courage, have to be yourself," he said. "You have to make an almost perfect game." Such courage is crucial given City's recent struggles away from home in the Champions League.

City has lost each of their last three away matches in this competition. Another loss would ensure their elimination, although they have only once previously lost four consecutive games in this tournament under Roberto Mancini between 2011 and 2012.

This upcoming match is pivotal for Manchester City as they aim to defy history and secure a spot in the next round by overcoming Real Madrid's formidable record at home.