Manchester City’s Do-or-Die Mission at the Bernabeu

The second-leg clash between Real Madrid and Manchester City in the 2024/25 Champions League last-16 play-off will take place on Thursday, February 20 (IST) at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The 15-time Champions League winners won the first leg 3-2 at the Etihad Stadium in a thrilling match. Erling Haaland twice put City ahead, but Jude Bellingham’s late winner handed Madrid the advantage. Now, the English side faces a tough challenge to overturn the deficit.

Despite the setback, Pep Guardiola remains hopeful, though realistic. He admitted his team has just a one per cent chance of progressing but believes City's January signings could make a difference. The squad remains determined to give their best performance and pull off a miracle in Madrid.

Guardiola expects City’s new signings such as Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis, and Nico Gonzalez to have a major impact. The club spent £170 million in January to strengthen the squad and handle the high intensity of Champions League football.

Marmoush, who recently netted a hat-trick against Newcastle, has been in top form. Khusanov and Gonzalez have also impressed, making Guardiola rethink his first-leg lineup choices. Gonzalez, signed from Barcelona, has provided much-needed stability in midfield, especially in Rodri’s absence.

"City have players who can score and threaten Madrid, but Gonzalez brings crucial balance," said former City defender Micah Richards.

The Citizens must learn from their first-leg mistakes and deliver a near-perfect performance to stay in the competition. With their fans behind them, they remain focused on defying the odds at the Bernabeu.