Playing Real Madrid at the Bernabeu will give Manchester City a glimpse at their progress | OneFootball

Manchester City take on Real Madrid at the Bernabeu on Wednesday night in their sixth fixture of this season’s UEFA Champions League league phase. Manchester City’s unexpected defeat to Bayer Leverkusen on matchday five means they are precariously placed to finish in the top eight of the Champions League league phase. A victory over Real Madrid will aid City’s cause tremendously to clinch a top-eight finish and avoid an extra set of fixtures in the Champions League knockout stage.

Wednesday night’s match is also an opportunity for the new-look Manchester City squad to prove themselves at a tough venue. Pep Guardiola’s side is growing, and the match at the Bernabeu is an opportunity for this City squad to make an impression in a hostile environment.

Pep Guardiola knows that this Manchester City side has an opportunity to prove themselves at the Bernabeu.

Manchester City enter Wednesday night’s clash with Real Madrid off the back of three consecutive wins in the Premier League. City’s 3-nil win over Sunderland was their most complete performance of the season. Pep Guardiola’s side played in a style that resembled a City side in full flow, and they enter their upcoming match against Real Madrid full of confidence. But playing Real Madrid at the Bernabeu is a different beast entirely. Xabi Alonso’s side has struggled this season compared to their lofty standards. They also have a host of players ruled out of Wednesday night’s match or in doubt with fitness issues. Despite all of this, City have an opportunity to prove themselves at a venue they know all too well.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow night’s match, Pep Guardiola told the media that facing off against Real Madrid is the ideal opportunity for his team to prove themselves. He explained: “We were in a group stage, it’s different if you play last 16 or quarter-finals, or semi-finals. Last season, we arrive with all the problems, but all the other games have been tight and good games.”

“We have important players that have their first time here in Bernabeu. The biggest players that make a legacy for a decade – Kevin De Bruyne, Walker, Gundogan, Stones – are not here. Many are new, they want to experience that.”

“They want to know they have done it and can do it again. It’s a good place to prove yourself and how you are as a team.”

A win over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu could set City on its way.

Pep Guardiola’s side is growing together and into the new season. The signs are there that this City team are taking giant strides. They now face a familiar test given how many times City have played Real Madrid in recent years. But for this new-look City squad, their upcoming match at the Bernabeu is an opportunity to show how far they have come.

A good performance and result at the Bernabeu could set Pep Guardiola’s side up for what comes this season. City have positioned themselves well to sink their teeth into their 25/26 season campaign. A good performance against Xabi Alonso’s side could instil this iteration of Pep Guardiola’s team with a massive injection of confidence. Although Real Madrid are having their own issues this season, they are a formidable opponent at the Bernabeu. The Real Madrid fans will be up for the visit of Pep Guardiola’s side as will whoever takes the pitch for Xavi Alonso’s team. If City can overcome the challenges that lies ahead tomorrow night it could be a result that sets City on their way.

Summary.

A familiar test awaits Manchester City against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. With a new-look squad, Pep Guardiola ans his team have an opportunity to prove themselves and build confidence for what lies ahead this season. A win at the Bernabeu has the potential to be a result that can inspire this City team. But to do that they will have to overcome a formidable foe who won’t lie down for City at home.