City boss confident of final spot after shut-out

MANUEL Pellegrini remains steadfast in his belief that Manchester City can see off Real Madrid, despite losing David Silva to injury in the Champions League semi–final first leg at the Etihad Stadium.

Last night’s match looked a wonderful opportunity for City to mark their first–ever appearance at the last–four juncture with a memorable victory, yet they were unable to capitalise on Cristiano Ronaldo's injury-enforced absence and were fortunate to escape with a 0–0 draw.

Only the wonderful reflexes of Joe Hart kept Madrid from snatching an all–important away goal, while substitute Jese hit the bar as Real Madrid upped the ante in the second half.

Real’s failure to score gives City a fighting chance and Pellegrini focused on the positives, despite his side only mustering two shots on target.

"I think it was a very close game," he said. "We tried from the beginning to win, we pressed high, but we were not very creative.

“We couldn't create clear chances to score.

"I don't think they are favourites. As I said before the game, we have the same option as Real Madrid."

City may be confident ahead of the second leg, but they will almost certainly have to cope without Silva in the Spanish capital after he sustained a first–half injury.

"David has a slight strain in his thigh," Pellegrini said. "It is difficult to say now (whether he will be involved).

TOUGH

"It is probably tough for him to recover in just one week. We'll have a clearer idea (today)."

Silva's expected absence is compounded by frustration after City tried and failed to move Sunday's trip to Southampton after the draw was made.

The club say they lobbied Sky and the Premier League to alter the 4.30pm kick–off, but their inability to do so means Real – who play on Saturday – have an extra day's rest ahead of the second leg.

"Before we go to Madrid, we must continue in the Premier League against a difficult team in Southampton," Pellegrini said.

Pellegrini's line–up at St Mary's could be interesting given the widespread changes he made after complaining about fixture congestion ahead of February's FA Cup clash at Chelsea.

There are no such concerns for Real Madrid, but head coach Zinedine Zidane will be sweating on the fitness of Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.

The latter came off at half–time as a knee complaint worsened, while star turn Ronaldo was a surprise absentee due to a thigh issue that played up on the eve of the game.

“I can't tell you right now if they'll be fit,” said Zidane. “We want them to be back and need to look at how they develop.”