Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola has urged his team to play against Real Madrid with no fear. The Cityzens will travel to St. Bernabéu for the first leg of the round of 16 in the ongoing Champions League on Wednesday.

The Los Blancos have been a thorn in City’s flesh, knocking them out of the competition in each of the last two seasons and four times in total. However, Guardiola’s team will have a chance to take advantage in the first leg as the 14-time champions are weakened by injuries to key players such as Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo.

“Try to face the opponent and don’t look much at the consequences,” said Guardiola when asked what advice he would be giving his players.

“If we are out, congratulate Madrid, but at least be who you are.

“That is always my concern in the biggest stages in March and April. Sometimes it is not possible because the opponent is better or you cannot impose what you want but at least try it.

“In this kind of competition that is so important. You never know what is going to happen, but for sure good things cannot happen if you are not who you are.

“You have to face the game with incredible respect, look in their eyes and this is who we are as a team.”

The Spaniard coach said he has a full-strength team this time around, which was not the case in the last term.

“This season we have the squad,” said the City boss.

“Last season we arrived with a lot of fatigue and few players available.

“We have to prepare the game and we know that we have to give a top performance so that we can get to the second leg with our people [in Manchester].”