Guardiola springs a surprise as last-minute reinforcement arrives in Madrid ahead of the clash!

As Real Madrid and Manchester City prepare for an explosive clash in the Champions League, Pep Guardiola has a last-minute surprise in store. An unexpected reinforcement has just arrived in Madrid.

Real Madrid, under Carlo Ancelotti, know that the clash with Manchester City will be a real test. The Madrid squad, weakened by injuries and a demanding fixture list, will have to be at their best if they are to have any hope of qualifying. For his part, Guardiola is preparing to take on a team he knows well, but which remains unpredictable at the legendary Bernabéu.

In a press conference, the Catalan coach made no secret of the difficulties that await his team. “We have to play a perfect game and get a good result. It’s not the best situation, but we’re going to give it everything we’ve got. The Bernabéu is a stadium where you have to know how to suffer,” he said. It’s a clear message: Manchester City are coming to fight to the bitter end.

Last-minute reinforcement for Guardiola

While all eyes were on City’s stars, a new face appeared in Madrid. Abduqodir Khusanov, a young defender from Uzbekistan, joined Guardiola’s squad in the final hours before the clash with Real. El Chiringuito’s cameras caught his discreet entrance to City’s training camp in Madrid. Unlike his teammates, Khusanov traveled alone. According to the Uzbek media, his Schengen visa obtained in Greece forced him to travel separately from the English squad.

📸 IMAGEN @elchiringuitotv

😳 ¡Khusanov, central del City, llega de madrugada al hotel de concentración!

📺 Lo estamos viendo YA en #ChiringuitoMadrid. pic.twitter.com/u3DueVcML4

— El Chiringuito TV (@elchiringuitotv) February 19, 2025

This completely atypical situation does not mean, however, that he will play a major role in this crucial match. Indeed, although he is officially available, he is not expected to take the field at the Bernabéu, barring an unexpected injury to a first-team regular. Transferred to Manchester City this winter for €50 million from Lens, Khusanov has struggled to convince. His performances have not lived up to expectations, and he has come in for criticism in England.

Despite his rough start in England, Guardiola remains convinced of his potential. “He’s young, he needs time to adapt,” Guardiola commented. “We brought him in for the future, not just for today.” This suggests that while Khusanov may not be a key figure against Real Madrid, he is still an important part of City’s long-term plans.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid fans are confident that their team will rise to the occasion despite their injury woes. The Bernabéu faithful know the power of their stadium on Champions League nights, and many believe that the energy of the crowd will be enough to push the team over the line.

City, however, have a history of spoiling the party at the Bernabéu. Their dramatic semifinal victory in 2023 still lingers in the minds of Madridistas. With Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Phil Foden leading the charge, Guardiola’s men will be looking to repeat history.

Madrid’s defensive line, led by Antonio Rüdiger and Dani Carvajal, will need to be at their best to keep City’s attacking force in check. Andriy Lunin, expected to start in goal, will also have a massive role to play as he steps up in Thibaut Courtois’ absence.

With all these elements coming into play, this match promises to be an electrifying encounter. A win for Real Madrid would be a statement that they are still the kings of Europe, while a City triumph would reinforce their status as the new dominant force in the Champions League.