Real Madrid vs Man City: Pep Guardiola to make late Ederson decision ahead of Champions League showdown

Ederson is fit again but was only on the bench as Stefan Ortega started Saturday’s win at Crystal Palace
Dom Smith7 April 2024

Pep Guardiola will make a late call on whether Tuesday’s Champions League showdown with Real Madrid is the right time to bring Ederson back into the Manchester City team.

Ederson has missed City’s last four games but the Brazilian goalkeeper was on the bench as Stefan Ortega played in Saturday’s 4-2 win at Crystal Palace.

Asked whether Ederson would play at the Bernabeu when City play the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final, Guardiola said: “I have to think about it, because Ederson feels really good.

“I have to decide, but we are really pleased with Stefan. He’s an exceptional keeper.”

Rodri is in line to make his 41st City appearance of the season, and Guardiola said the club have been managing his game-time to avoid burnout.

“The last game [against Aston Villa] he played 70 minutes, today [against Palace] 75, so we can reduce the last 20 or 25 minutes. Rodri is so strong and that’s good,” he said.

Guardiola was concerned about his side’s sluggishness in tracking back after losing the ball against Palace.

“I know why it happened, and of course we have to try to fix it otherwise it will be difficult”, he said. “Madrid have a lot of qualities, but one of them is the fast, transition players they have.”

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