Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola has urged his players to believe that they can overturn the deficit and eliminate Spanish giants Real Madrid from the UEFA Champions League.

The Citizens face an uphill task when they meet Los Blancos at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16.

The Premier League side lost 3-0 in the first leg at the Bernabéu, with a hat-trick from Fede Valverde damaging their chances of qualification.

Analysis of Semenyo’s performance against Real Madrid

Speaking ahead of the second leg, Guardiola instilled hope in his players, insisting they can produce something special to overcome the deficit and qualify, even though the situation is difficult.

The Spanish manager stated that fans and players who don’t believe in a comeback could choose not to attend the match, despite the huge salaries players receive, emphasising that they must at least try.

“If they don’t believe, it’s their problem. They are adults, have good salaries, mum and dad, well-educated. If they don’t believe in that, in the Champions League, go home and stay home. We have to try it. What do we have to lose? In this room, is there someone who would bet on us coming back against Madrid? No one. No way... I don’t know how many Champions Leagues, but never a 3-0 in the knockout stage. Never, ever. So of course it’s a tough result,” he said.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid head into the second leg with extra motivation as Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé have been included in the squad after missing the first leg due to injury.

Watch the video below:

🚨⚔️ Pep Guardiola on coming back against Real Madrid: “Who doesn’t believe, STAY HOME”.@BeanymanSports 🎥 pic.twitter.com/D0TdvWkmcZ

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 16, 2026