Pep Guardiola has given Manchester City just a one per cent chance of overturning their Champions League play-off deficit against Real Madrid. But after an emphatic display against Newcastle, the English champions’ January signings could provide a much-needed boost.
City squandered a late 2-1 lead in the first leg at the Etihad, conceding twice to lose 3-2. That collapse highlighted a season-long issue—Guardiola’s ageing squad has struggled to maintain intensity, particularly on big European nights.
In response, City broke from their usual transfer strategy, spending £170 million ($214 million) in January to bring in Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis, and Nico Gonzalez. However, none started the first leg against Madrid. Marmoush saw only a few minutes off the bench, while Gonzalez and Khusanov were unused substitutes, and Reis was left out of City's European squad.
Guardiola may now regret that decision. On Saturday, Marmoush, Gonzalez, and Khusanov all played key roles in City's 4-0 demolition of Newcastle—arguably their best performance of the season.
Marmoush stole the show with a stunning first-half hat-trick, finally giving City another scoring threat alongside Erling Haaland. Meanwhile, Khusanov bounced back from his nightmare Premier League debut against Chelsea, showing why City paid £33 million for the Uzbek defender. His pace and anticipation neutralized Newcastle’s Alexander Isak—and could prove crucial in containing Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo at the Bernabeu.
But the biggest impact may come from Gonzalez. Since Ballon d’Or winner Rodri suffered a serious knee injury in September, City’s midfield has lacked stability. Now, the Barcelona academy graduate appears ready to fill that void, with Guardiola already dubbing him 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 XI? Without a doubt."
Yet, even at their peak under Guardiola, City have often found Madrid to be their biggest obstacle in Europe.
This is the fourth consecutive season the two sides have met, and City’s only success came last year when they thrashed Madrid 5-1 on aggregate en route to their first-ever Champions League title.
Three years ago, City looked destined for the final, holding a two-goal lead in stoppage time—only for Rodrygo’s last-minute double to force extra time, sending Madrid to their 14th European crown. Last season, the Spanish giants once again found a way through, edging City on penalties in the quarterfinals.
Guardiola knows City have not been at their best this season and is under no illusions about the challenge ahead.
"The reality is we have been miles, miles away," he admitted. "The results have been poor this season. Just for one game, I’m not going to change my opinion."
Still, with fresh energy injected into the squad, City can dare to dream. If there is any hope of a Madrid miracle, Marmoush, Khusanov, and Gonzalez may be the ones to deliver it.