Pep Guardiola Names One Thing That Scares Him The Most About Real Madrid

• Real Madrid host Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League last-8
• Los Blancos were knocked out by the English champions last year in the semi-finals
• But going into their tie this season, Pep Guardiola is worried about Real Madrid's pace

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has highlighted the aspects that unsettle him when facing Real Madrid once more in the Champions League.

The reigning champions face off against the record 14-time winners of the competition in the first leg of their quarter-final at the Bernabeu on Tuesday.

For the third consecutive season, the two clubs have clashed in the knockout stages. Real Madrid orchestrated a remarkable comeback to secure victory in the 2022 semi-final, but City managed to avenge that loss twelve months later.

During his pre-match press conference in the Spanish capital, Guardiola remarked via Tribuna:

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"They [Real Madrid] have a lot of qualities. One of them is the speed and transition players that Real Madrid have."

How good are Real Madrid in transition?

Real Madrid undoubtedly are one of the best transition teams in world football, boasting lightning-fast players such as Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior.

Even Brahim Diaz has demonstrated his ability to wreak havoc on the break, as seen in the Supercopa semi-final against Atletico Madrid.

Manchester City's preference for playing with a high defensive line to pressure opponents might inadvertently favour Carlo Ancelotti and his men in the upcoming match. A strategic and physical showdown lies ahead.

Manchester City found themselves exposed in transition by Crystal Palace twice, leading to two goals conceded in their 4-2 victory last Saturday, per GOAL.

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Real Madrid will host Manchester City this Tuesday in a rematch of their semi-final clash last year.

Arsenal and Bayern renew their rivalry when they square off in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium.

Rudiger fires warning to Haaland

Sports Brief reported on Antonio Rudiger warning Erling Haaland ahead of the game later tonight, with both players set to be in a direct battle in the match.

The Real Madrid defender said he and his teammates would try to stop the Norwegian striker and admitted that it was personal against top forwards for him.