Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has revealed the advantage Real Madrid has over his team ahead of their two-legged Champions League play-off encounter.

The first leg would be played at the Etihad on Tuesday, while the second leg comes up in Spain inside the Santiago Bernabeu.

The Catalan coach, who is not a stranger to the Bernabeu, having spent many years as a player and manager at Barcelona, said he would have liked to have faced Real Madrid at home in the second leg.

Guardiola, a multiple trophy holder, believes that the fixture could do with the help of fans, particularly if the game goes into penalties after 180 minutes of action.

He, however, blamed himself for being in such a tight spot after finishing 22nd in the standings.

He said ahead of the first leg (via the club’s official website):

Addressing the press on Tuesday, ahead of the Champions League clash on Tuesday, Guardiola said via the club’s official website, “To be honest, it is always better to have a second leg at home in case you have extra time with your people.

“We play the second game away because we were not good in the group stage – when you finish 22nd you cannot ask for any favours.”

City finished the group stage just two spots above the final qualification spot.

The Cityzens are also struggling in the Premier League, placed fifth in the standings at the moment.550 5.1.1 User unknown