UCL: Guardiola banks on new signings to upset Real Madrid

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is hopeful that January signings could provide a much-needed boost in overturning their Champions League last-16 deficit against Real Madrid on Wednesday.

City squandered a late 2-1 lead in the first leg at the Etihad, eventually falling 3-2 to the holders. The defeat highlighted a concerning trend this season, with Guardiola’s ageing squad struggling to maintain intensity in high-pressure moments, particularly in European competition.

City splashed out £170 million ($214 million) in January on Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis, and Nico Gonzalez. Yet, none of them started in the first leg against Madrid, with only Marmoush featuring as a late substitute.

Guardiola may now rethink his selection after the trio of Marmoush, Khusanov, and Gonzalez played key roles in City’s dominant 4-0 win over Newcastle on Saturday—arguably their best performance of the season.

Marmoush stole the spotlight with a first-half hat-trick, easing the goal-scoring burden on Erling Haaland. Khusanov also showed his defensive prowess, keeping Newcastle’s Alexander Isak quiet. His speed and composure could be crucial against Madrid’s attacking trio of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo.

Gonzalez earned Guardiola’s highest praise for stabilizing City’s midfield in the absence of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri. The Barcelona academy graduate, already dubbed a “mini Rodri” by his manager, looks set to start in the high-stakes clash at the Santiago Bernabéu.

City will need their new recruits to step up in Madrid if they are to defy the odds and reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League