4 Things Guardiola Must Do to See Off Real Madrid Ahead of UCL Second Leg

• Pep Guardiola will be keen to see off Real Madrid in the second leg of the looming Champions League tie
• The reverse tie ended in a 1-1 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, with one goal from either team
• Manchester City have never tasted European glory, coming close in 2021 when they reached the final

Manchester City are scheduled to host Real Madrid next week in a do-or-die Champions League fixture at the Etihad Stadium.

There will be everything to play for in the second-leg semi-final clash, with a spot in the final of the competition at stake.

The two European giants settled for a 1-1 draw in the reverse tie at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Tuesday night, May 9.

According to The Guardian, both Vinicius Junior and Kevin De Bruyne were on target during the continental clash, with the former netting a stunner to open the scoring.

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Pep desperate to win UCL

Despite Pep Guardiola's success at Manchester City, the Spaniard has been unable to win the club the Champions League since his arrival in 2016.

He has won the Citizens virtually every trophy available, including an incredible four Premier League titles.

However, the Champions League has been elusive for the English giants, with the club coming close to winning it in 2021 when they reached the final for the first time in their history.

As such, Guardiola will be desperate to steer City to glory this season.

Sports Brief takes a look at four things he would need to get right to see off Real Madrid:

1. Team selection

Considering the significance of the second leg, Guardiola will have no choice but to parade a strong team for the clash.

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That said, the Man City boss could be forced to rest some key players when they play Everton on Sunday in the Premier League. This will allow the players to get enough rest ahead of the Real Madrid test.

2. Handle Rodrygo and Vinicius

The second thing Pep will have in mind is how to contain Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr.

The duo has been in incredible form this season, with Vini scoring seven goals in the Champions League. On his part, Rodrygo has scored five goals in the competition.

3. Keep squad focused

Man City are still firmly in three competitions this season, as Pep eyes a historic treble.

Away from the Champions League, City are also hoping to win the Premier League and the FA Cup.

With these engagements, the squad is likely to get distracted by one of the three trophies.

4. Get Haaland firing

It goes without saying that Erling Haaland has been one of Man City's standout players this season.

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The Norwegian hotshot has been firing on all cylinders, having already bagged an eye-watering 51 goals across all competitions, per Sporting News.

However, Haaland evidenced some struggle against Real Madrid, so much so that he came under heavy criticism from a section of fans, who accused him of going missing.

Guardiola will need to get his star man firing to get him the much-needed goals in the second leg.

Vinicius equals Ronaldo's record

Sports Brief reported that Real Madrid's Vinicius made Champions League history following his splendid goal against Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

The Brazilian, who recently won his third Player of the Month, unleashed a bullet of a goal to break the deadlock in the semi-final tie between two of Europe's finest this season.