Guardiola reveals Ancelotti’s tactic in Man City first-leg that surprised him

“They surprised us [in the first leg] with the positions of players and we have to take a look,” Pep Guardiolasaid.

“Carlo [Ancelotti], with his experience, can do something differently and we have to be prepared. But at the same time, try to impose and put pressure,” the Man City boss added.

Ancelotti fashioned an ingenious plan to play Rodrygo on the left with Vinicius starting as a false nine for the first time both players were allowed to swap positions depending on the transition of play. It worked as Rodrygo scored and Vini delivered two assists.

However, the tie remains in the balance as Real Madrid allowed their visitors to score three goals on the night with the game ending 3-3.

Real Madrid were beaten 4-0 on their trip to the Etihad last season which explains why Ancelotti must be on his tactical best on Wednesday if Los Blancos are to qualify for the semi-final.