Man City vs Real Madrid LIVE: Team news as Mbappe returns with Guardiola demanding ‘perfect game’ in mammoth Champions League clash

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The Independent

·17 marzo 2026

Man City vs Real Madrid LIVE: Team news as Mbappe returns with Guardiola demanding ‘perfect game’ in mammoth Champions League clash

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'The task is massive' - Guardiola and Silva preview Man City v Real Madrid

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Manchester City are facing the tallest of Champions League tasks as they bid to overturn a 3-0 deficit and knock out Real Madrid.

Pep Guardiola has said his side will have to produce the “perfect game” if they are to turnaround the tie after being outclassed in the Spanish capital last week. A first-half hat-trick from Fede Valverde has left Real Madrid in complete control and already eyeing a quarter-final berth, and Alvaro Arbeloa welcomes back Kylian Mbappe to his squad, too.

It could have been worse for Manchester City, with Gianluigi Donnarumma saving a penalty to ensure they did not completely unravel. Guardiola has stressed that he still has hope that his team can produce a stunning comeback, but only three teams have ever won a Champions League knockout tie after losing the first leg 3-0.