Pep Guardiola is not desperate. Pep Guardiola is very desperate. The line-up he will present at Bernabéu confirms it.
Against Real Madrid, his two major media stars won't be in the starting eleven: Neither Haaland nor Kevin De Bruyne.
The first was injured with a knee knock in the last match played by the citizens against Newcastle.
The knock will prevent him from starting at Bernabéu tonight. Although he will remain on the bench in case his presence is needed in the team during the second half.
Neither Haaland nor De Bruyne. Advantages for Real Madrid
It was a very silly play in which the Norwegian player injured himself. Guardiola took him off the field and today extends the rest time after his injury.
Haaland, who scored both goals for Manchester City at Etihad Stadium against Real Madrid last week, will stay on the bench. He will come out in the second half, especially if the team needs his goals.
Kevin De Bruyne's benching has been less surprising. He played a very mediocre match against the whites in the first leg of the play-off and stayed on the bench in the match against Newcastle.
The former Barcelona player Gündogan will take his place. His presence confirms Pep Guardiola's interest in taking control of the midfield to secure qualification for the Champions League round of 16 at Bernabéu.
Khusanov Will Be Vinícius's Shadow Throughout the Match
Nico González will also appear in the starting line-up, the Barça youth player who joined Manchester City in the winter transfer market. Another newcomer to the team, Khusanov, will be responsible for stopping Vinícius on the right flank.
The responsibility of turning the tie around falls on the shoulders of the Egyptian Marmoush. A very dangerous center forward who comes from scoring a hat trick against the powerful Newcastle.
This is the eleven Pep Guardiola will field at Bernabéu: Ederson; Khusanov, Stones, Rúben Dias, Gvardiol; Gündogan, Nico González; Bernardo Silva; Foden, Marmoush, and Savinho.