Manchester City led 2-1 until the 86th minute but suffered a dramatic collapse, conceding two quick goals and ultimately losing 3-2.

This season’s version of City has been full of surprises, and while this wasn't the first time they let a lead slip, it was certainly the most significant. However, they responded in style over the weekend with a dominant 4-0 victory against Newcastle, where new signing Marmorush stole the show with a brilliant hat-trick. His outstanding performance could give Guardiola a selection dilemma, potentially pushing him to start ahead of Kevin De Bruyne in this crucial match.

Real Madrid’s defense has been vulnerable throughout this campaign, and with most of their starting backline unavailable, their task becomes even more challenging.

In the first leg, they managed to hold their own despite makeshift defensive adjustments—Valverde filling in at right-back and Tchouaméni playing as a center-back, both of whom are natural midfielders. However, City will look to exploit those weaknesses in the return fixture.