1% Chance To Defeat Real: Pep

City boss knows his side face mountain to climb at Bernabeu in 2nd leg of play-off

LONDON - Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola believes his team have only a "1 per cent" chance of overcoming Real Madrid in their Champions League clash on Feb 19.

City were defeated 3-2 at home in the first leg of their play-off clash last week despite leading 2-1 with just four minutes left in the tie.

"The margin to win at the Bernabeu from that position, everybody knows, the percentage to go through, we arrive at 1 per cent. Or I don't know what, but it will be minimal," said Guardiola.

"But as much as you have a chance we will try, that's for sure. We are going like we always have done but, this season, the reality is we have been miles away. We have been really, really poor in performances and results this season."

City go to Spain buoyed by a 4-0 win over Newcastle United in the Premier League which kept them on course for a return to the Champions League even if this season's campaign ends in midweek.

"For one game, Saturday, we played really good but it's not going to change the opinion, the reality. But, of course, it's better to travel to Madrid with this result," added the City manager.

Also having to claw back a deficit are Celtic. Their manager Brendan Rodgers urged his underdog side not to die wondering in the Feb 18 must-win Champions League second leg away at Bayern Munich.