Pep Guardiola says Manchester City have drawn a line under the Ballon d'Or controversy with Real Madrid ahead of their Champions League showdown.

Pep Guardiola said there was no bad blood between Manchester City and Real Madrid after the Spanish giant boycotted last year’s Ballon d’Or awards in apparent protest.

Pep Guardiola is hopeful of having Nico Gonzalez available for selection in the UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-off first-leg against Real Madrid. Gonzalez, who arrived from Porto on transfer deadline day, made his Man City debut against Leyton Orient at the weekend.

Pep Guardiola admitted injury doubts were stopping him from being clear on his Manchester City XI against Real Madrid.

Pep Guardiola wants Manchester City to prove they are still a “special” side when they face Real Madrid in the Champions League. City must overcome Real in a two-legged play-off tie to secure their place in the last 16 of the competition after finishing down in 22nd in the newly-revamped league phase.

Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola said his side were well aware of Real Madrid's habit of producing their best in tough times, with a string of injuries having depleted the visitors' defence ahead of Tuesday's Champions League playoff.

Manchester City face Real Madrid in an unexpected Champions League play-off after both teams produced an inconsistent performance in the league phase.

Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola said his side were well aware of Real Madrid's habit of producing their best in tough times, with a string of injuries having depleted the visitors' defence ahead of Tuesday's Champions League playoff.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been speaking to the media before Tuesday's Champions League play-off first leg against Real Madrid at Etihad Stadium (20:00 GMT). Here are the key lines from his news conference: Guardiola says he "still has doubts about injuries" but did not comment specifically on new signing Nico Gonzalez,

Pep Guardiola has challenged his Manchester City side to prove they are still "something special" in their blockbuster Champions League tie against Real Madrid despite a turbulent season for the Premier League champions.