Carlo Ancelotti suggests Pep Guardiola is a LIAR over Man City prediction as Real Madrid boss admits 'difficulties' in finishing off Champions League tie

Guardiola made the claim at the weekend, ahead of a second-leg tie that sees City attempting to overturn a 3-2 deficit away from home. Ancelotti has dismissed that prediction, however, claiming his team only have a small advantage heading into the game.

Two late goals from Brahim Diaz and Jude Bellingham gave Real the one-goal lead in the tie, which looks set to extend the incredible recent history between these sides in the Champions League. The reigning La Liga champions knocked City out at the semi-final stage in 2022 after Karim Benzema scored twice in the final minutes, before City produced what was labeled as one of the great performances in the competition's history to demolish Ancelotti's team 4-0 at the same stage the following season. The Spanish side have the most recent bragging rights from the quarter-finals last term, winning on penalties at the Etihad.

Asked about Guardiola's 'one percent' comment, Ancelotti said: "He doesn't really think so. We don't think we have a 99 percent chance. We have a small advantage and we have to take advantage of it. We have to play the same game as in the first leg, because it went well, but we have to take into account the difficulties. We are trying to prepare well."

Real are fighting on numerous fronts this season, not only attempting to defend the Champions League but also hang onto their La Liga crown as well as win the Copa del Rey for the second time since 2014. City are still in the FA Cup as well as attempting to book their place in next season's Champions League, but this game is undoubtedly the biggest of their season so far.