Are Manchester City going to take Real Madrid on head on?

Are Manchester City going to Real Madrid on head on at the Bernabeu tonight? How Pep Guardiola’s side tackles the La Liga leaders is an interesting subplot of tonight’s UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg. The European champions will be respectful of their opponents, but there is no need for them to be fearful of Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

Speaking in his pre-game press conference yesterday, Pep Guardiola is well aware of the strengths of this Real Madrid side. But he also said that his team has to attack the 14-time European champions. The City manager said: “Everybody knows the strengths from transitions they have with Rodrygo, [Jude], Bellingham, [Federico] Valverde, Vinicius. We can not come here just to control the game. We have to come her to try to hurt them, to punish them, to let them know we are here to score the goals.”

Guardiola also spoke of his team imposing their game on Carlo Ancelotti’s side:”We are talking about Real Madrid, the ability to control many aspects of the game. We have to impose our game with who we are.”

Yesterday’s comments from Guardiola do give the impression that the current European champions will look to attack Real Madrid. While they will be forced to defend on occasions at the Bernabeu if they can get at Real, it could set the tone for the two-legged tie. A positive performance and result in tonight’s first leg could provide the impetus for Manchester City kick on in next week’s second leg at the Etihad Stadium.

But before that can happen, Manchester City must navigate tonight’s match at the Bernabeu. With the roof closed, it should be a special atmosphere at a special. But if Pep Guardiola’s side can impose their game and attack Carlo Ancelotti’s men, it may go some way in quietening the passionate home support.