Man City Vs Real Madrid: Pep Guardiola Doesn't Matter The Dispute Between The Ballon D'Or

JAKARTA - Pep Guardiola said Manchester City had drawn a line in the Ballon d'Or controversy with Real Madrid ahead of their fight in the knockout round of the Champions League.

The Spanish giant boycotted the Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris in October 2024 in protest against Manchester City midfielder Rodri, who won the award over Vinicius Junior.

The two teams faced each other in the first leg of the knockout play of the Champions League at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, early morning WIB.

Ahead of the match, Guardiola insists there is no bad feeling between the two clubs.

"I'm happy for Rodri. Vinicius has also made an amazing year. He deserves it."

"As in the past when (Lionel) Messi and Cristiano (Ronaldo) competed for it. The problem has been resolved," said Guardiola, when asked his opinion about the impact of the Ballon d'Or.

Ruben Dias, who went to Paris with Rodri to attend the ceremony, also tried not to dispute the dispute.

"Honestly, I don't think for a second whether it's disrespectful or not. I was there, I celebrated it with him."

"I'm very happy for him. I didn't think about it," said Ruben Dias.

This is the fifth time Manchester City and Real Madrid have met in the Champions League in six seasons.

Carlo Ancelotti's side won on penalties last season, while Manchester City won easily in 2023- a 4-0 win at Etihad - on their way to winning trebles.

This time, Guardiola has additional complexity as it worries Kylian Mbappe, as well as Vinicius, Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham.

The France international has scored 23 goals in his first season at Real Madrid, including one goal in a 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid on Sunday, February 9, 2025.

"I thought it was impossible for 90 minutes or 180 minutes to control these four players."

"They're amazing. So, how do they collaborate, runners, one-on-one capabilities, how do they control the ball."

"So, the four of them, they were amazing. Everyone knows that. So, we have to reduce their involvement as much as possible."

"Knowing it will happen, just accept it," said Guardiola.

Meanwhile, Dias said Real Madrid should be wary of Manchester City stars, including Erling Haaland.

"I think since I've been there, this season has been the most difficult season. However, I'm very sure, even in the most difficult situations, you can achieve something beautiful."

"We know how difficult it is. However, we have a lot of weapons in the dressing room. We just have to use it the right way," said the defender of The Citizens.