Zabaleta Issues Strong Warning to Real Madrid Before Manchester City Showdown

Pablo Zabaleta has sent a clear warning to Real Madrid ahead of their Champions League clash with Manchester City on Wednesday night. 

The former Man City star believes Los Blancos could be in for a “thrashing” if they lose their focus against Pep Guardiola’s team.

Fresh off a humiliating 2-0 defeat to Celta Vigo at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid are preparing for battle against a star-studded Manchester City.

According to reports, the game against Man City would be make or break for Madrid coach Xabi Alonso. A defeat on Wednesday could lead to his dismissal, and Real Madrid have already shortlisted managers who could replace him.

The Whites are dealing with an injury crisis, with Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, Dean Huijsen, Ferland Mendy, and David Alaba on the treatment table.

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Kylian Mbappe is also a doubt for the game after missing Tuesday’s practice session, and Alonso could make a shocking selection to replace him.

Man City, meanwhile, have won their last three games in the Premier League, scoring 11 goals, making them the more in-form team.

They have an unstoppable force in Erling Haaland, and do not have a full-blown injury crisis like Real Madrid.

Pablo Zabaleta Warns Real Madrid Ahead of Manchester City Clash

In an interview with Diario AS, Pablo Zabaleta shared what he thought about the highly anticipated Champions League battle between Real Madrid and Manchester City.

When asked if Man City were the favourites on Wednesday, he said:

“We can’t ignore reality. Based on their current form, City are the favourites, but we can’t underestimate Real Madrid.

“Their results show they’re not in good form, but we have to respect them a lot, especially when the Champions League anthem plays in their stadium. They’ve earned that right.”

Some Madridistas are fearing a thrashing after the poor showing against Celta Vigo, and Zabaleta believes it is a real possibility if Real Madrid lose focus.

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When asked if Manchester City can thrash Real Madrid, Zabaleta said:

“Anything is possible.

“Real Madrid has many problems in defence, and City has very decisive attacking players who constantly create danger.”

He continued:

“If Real Madrid loses focus even a little, I wouldn’t rule it out.

“Looking at what City has up front, it’s frightening, and Xabi will have to prepare a great defensive strategy, close down the lines, and adjust the spaces, because it won’t be easy to stop their attacking flow.”

Real Madrid vs Manchester City has become one of the most frequently played fixtures in the Champions League.

They have locked horns 14 times in the competition, with Madrid winning four times, City five times, and five games ending in a draw.