Pep Guardiola sets Real Madrid challenge for his new Man City players

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Manchester City face Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday and Pep Guardiola believes a result could be key for his side.

Pep Guardiola has challenged his Man City players(Image: Europa Press via Getty Images)

Pep Guardiola has challenged his new-look Manchester City to show they are ready to compete for the Champions League title by claiming a result in the Bernabeu on Wednesday night.

City and Real Madrid face each other for the fifth season in succession in this competition and although this is only a group stage campaign, Guardiola believes it is an ideal opportunity to claim a statement result.

The Blues have signed 10 new players in 2025 and seen some of their old guard depart but a trip to the Spanish capital to face a side Guardiola refers to as the 'Kings of Europe' could act as an ideal proving ground for later in the competition.

"We’re in the group stage," he said. "It’s different if you’re in a quarter or semi-final. All the games have been tight, but at the same time, we have important players right now who are here in the Bernabeu for the first time.

"We have a little bit of a transition. I’d say the biggest players, with the incredible legacies over one decade – De Bruyne, Gundogan, Walker, Stones, Rodri – are not here.

"Many players are new and have to experience that because if you want to make a step up in Europe you have to live these experiences so next time you know that you have done it and can compete. It’s always a good place to come to prove who you are as a team."

City will be without Rodri once again against Real, while John Stones is also missing out with a leg injury.