Manchester City blew a late 2-1 lead in the first leg of their Champions League tie last week at home, losing 3-2 to Real Madrid. Pep Guardiola, City’s boss, said his team has just a one percent chance of progressing to the last 16 against Real Madrid on Wednesday, but the club's new signings could offer a lifeline.
New Signings Could Be the Key to Success
City’s collapse in the first leg is part of a wider trend this season, with Guardiola's ageing squad struggling to keep up, particularly during high-pressure Champions League nights.
As a result, City broke their usual transfer policy and spent big in January, signing Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis, and Nico Gonzalez for a total of £170 million ($214 million).
However, none of them started the first leg against Madrid. Marmoush was the only new signing to make a brief appearance off the bench, while Gonzalez and Khusanov were unused substitutes, and Reis wasn’t even registered for the European squad.
New Players Shine in Latest Victory
Guardiola may now regret that decision after Marmoush, Gonzalez, and Khusanov played key roles in City’s 4-0 victory over Newcastle on Saturday.
Marmoush grabbed the headlines with a first-half hat-trick, providing City with another attacking option alongside Erling Haaland. Khusanov, who struggled in his Premier League debut, showed why City paid €40 million ($42 million) to Lens for his services, using his pace to counter Newcastle's Alexander Isak and potentially combating the threat posed by Mbappe, Vinicius, and Rodrygo in Madrid.
Guardiola also praised Gonzalez for providing the stability in midfield that City has lacked since Ballon d'Or winner Rodri’s injury. The 23-year-old seems set to start against Madrid, with Guardiola already calling him a “mini Rodri.”
Will Gonzalez Be the Game Changer in Madrid?
Even at their best under Guardiola, City has often found Madrid too strong to overcome in the Champions League. This will be their fourth consecutive meeting, with Madrid defeating City in the past three encounters.
Despite this, the fresh additions to the squad give City a glimmer of hope for a miracle in Madrid.
