City faces Real test
Manchester City must overturn a three‑goal deficit against Real Madrid at the Etihad on Wednesday, March 18 — a do‑or‑die tie that manager Pep Guardiola says requires a “perfect game” to keep City’s Champions League hopes alive what each English side needs Guardiola quote. BBC Sport will have live commentary and stats for the March 18 Etihad clash live coverage.
Federico Valverde scored)) a first‑half hat‑trick (20', 27', 42') to hand Real Madrid a 3‑0 lead in the March 11 first leg. Pep Guardiola said City will require a “perfect game” to overturn the tie, telling reporters that only a flawless performance would keep City’s Champions League hopes alive. (espn.com.sg) Guardiola gave)) his squad a day off on the Monday before the return leg, an unusually relaxed final‑day routine that Sky Sports highlighted as a tactical change in preparation. UEFA abolished)) the away‑goals rule in 2021, meaning a 3‑0 City win would simply level the aggregate score and send the tie to 30 minutes of extra time followed by penalties if needed)), while a 4‑0 victory would see City advance outright on aggregate. City head into the Etihad without Josko Gvardiol, who is ruled out with a tibial fracture reported)), with Rico Lewis still recovering from an ankle issue noted)); Manchester City’s previous match was a 1‑1 draw at West Ham on March 14, their last competitive fixture before the second leg. (mancity.com)
