Pep Guardiola has said his “legacy is exceptional” as Manchester City prepare for Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Real Madrid. Guardiola has won two Champions Leagues as a manager, with Barcelona in 2009 and 2011. He has told the players to enjoy the moment and that they don’t have to do something exceptional to reach the final, just win one game. Statisticians Opta give Manchester City a 69% chance of reaching the final and 45% chance of winning the tournament, making them favourites. They are one win away from the Premier League title, and face Manchester United in the FA Cup final. They are looking to match United’s league, cup and Champions League Treble of 1999. Guardiola got City to the Champions League final two years ago where they lost to Chelsea and last year they lost 6-5 on aggregate after extra time in the semi-finals to Real Madrid having led by two goals in the 90th minute.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said he is “full of hope” that his side can overcome Manchester City at Etihad Stadium to reach the Champions League final for the sixth time in 10 years. He has won the competition four times – twice each with AC Milan and Real Madrid – and is confident his reigning European champions will rise to the occasion once again on Wednesday. Ancelotti said it is about managing your head and that the match is unpredictable. He believes that if you think you are the best team in the world, it doesn’t mean you are 100% sure to win, it is also about personality and mentality. City defender Nathan Ake is the only absentee for either side, while Madrid defender Eder Militao is available after being suspended for the first leg, as is Eduardo Camavinga, despite sustaining a knee injury at the weekend.