Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has highlighted the significant role of Jude Bellingham ahead of their Champions League clash with Real Madrid.

Download our app for the latest Real Madrid news

Having secured their inaugural Champions League trophy last year, City are set to face the 14-time champions, Real Madrid, in the quarterfinals.

The first leg is scheduled for April 9 at the Santiago Bernabeu, with the return leg in England on April 17, where Madrid will seek redemption after their semi-final encounter last season. In that matchup, City achieved a commendable 1-1 draw away before delivering a 4-0 defeat to Carlo Ancelotti’s team at home.

Jude Bellingham has been added to the Real squad since the meeting between both sides last season and his impact has been evident.

It’s no surprise that Jude Bellingham has been hailed by Guardiola as a difference maker for Real.

“[Bellingham’s] impact has been massive. It’s a different team from last season. His influence is obvious, and we have to try to discover what he does to control it,” Guardiola said.

“Facing Real Madrid is always a tough challenge, nobody can deny it. They are an exceptional club, and in this competition they can control many things with the experience they have in the past.

“Like last season there will be moments for them and moments for us. The longer we can keep our moments, we’ll be closer. We’ll try to do a good performance in Madrid and then here, with our people, do it again.”

Real Madrid transfer target insists he’s not interested in joining Arsenal