The Barcelona academy graduate seems certain to start on his return to Spain with his manager already hailing the 23-year-old as a “mini Rodri.”
Gonzalez a game changer
“The balance of the team looks much, much better already with Gonzalez in it,” said former City defender Micah Richards.
“City have got players who can score goals and hurt Real, but he brings some stability behind them, which they will need if they are to manage the game in Madrid.
“Do they have more chance of beating Real with him in the starting 11? Without a doubt.”
Yet, even at their best during the golden years of Guardiola’s reign in Manchester, City have often found the might of Madrid too tough a nut to crack in the Champions League.
This is the fourth consecutive season the sides have met, with a 5-1 aggregate rout en route to winning the competition for the first time in 2023 City’s only success.
Three years ago they seemed to be cruising into the Paris final with a two-goal lead heading into stoppage time of the second leg before Rodrygo’s quickfire double sent the tie to extra-time and ultimately Madrid to a 14th European crown.
Last year it was penalties that got the Spanish giants over the line after City dominated the majority of two score draws in the quarter-finals.
Guardiola conceded the prospect of his side finding their best again when they need it most is unlikely.
“This season the reality is we have been miles, miles away. If you tell me that we would perform like today (against Newcastle) and finish 22nd in the Champions League (table), of course not. We would finish higher,” said the former Barcelona boss.
“The results have been poor this season. Just for one game I’m not going to change my opinion.
“If you ask anybody before that game, we have one percent but as much as we have a chance we will try. That’s for sure.”
However, a timely injection of fresh blood does give hope that a miracle in Madrid is possible.
© 2025 AFP
