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The stat raising concern for Guardiola ahead of the Real Madrid clash
City needs a perfect night… but one stat explains why the comeback looks increasingly unlikely.
An Etihad that no longer feels as dominant
Pep Guardiola believes scoring four goals at home is not the issue. The manager has tried to inject confidence ahead of the clash against Real Madrid, pointing to past big performances at the Etihad.
But reality tells a different story. Out of the 23 home results recorded by Manchester City this season, only three would be enough to overturn the 3-0 deficit from the first leg: the 5-1 win over Burnley, the 4-1 victory against Borussia Dortmund, and the 10-1 rout of Exeter City. A very slim margin for a team that needs something close to perfection.
The real problem lies in attack
Beyond past results, the biggest concern is the team’s offensive output. Four of City’s key attacking players have combined for a troubling stat: just 4 goals in 65 matches.
The most alarming case is Phil Foden. The 2023-24 Premier League MVP is currently on a run of 19 games without scoring, an unexpected drought for one of the team’s most influential players.
Doku and Cherki struggling for form
Jérémy Doku is also going through a difficult spell. The Belgian winger has gone 18 matches without finding the net, with injuries disrupting his rhythm along the way.
Meanwhile, Rayan Cherki, one of the club’s major attacking signings, has also seen his impact fade. He has 10 games without a goal and has lost prominence, starting only three of his last ten appearances.
Haaland feeling the effects as well
Even Erling Haaland has not escaped the slump. The Premier League’s top scorer has managed just four goals in his last 18 matches, well below his usual standards.
His performance at the Bernabéu summed it up: only 10 touches, no shots on target, and substituted before the final whistle—an unusual sight for one of Europe’s most feared strikers.
The one bright spot for City
In contrast, Antoine Semenyo has been the standout performer, recording seven goals and two assists in 15 matches since joining in January.
If City wants to keep its comeback hopes alive, it will need all of its attacking stars to rediscover their best form. Because with a return of 4 goals in 65 matches, the task against Real Madrid becomes an uphill battle.
