Pep Guardiola said there was no bad blood between Manchester City and Real Madrid after the Spanish giant boycotted last year's Ballon d'Or awards in apparent protest.

Pep Guardiola insists Manchester City harbour no ill-feeling towards Real Madrid over their Ballon d’Or boycott as the sides prepare to renew their rivalry. Madrid’s representatives failed to attend the ceremony to crown the world’s best player last year after apparently hearing in advance that City’s Rodri had won it ahead of their own prime candidate Vinicius Junior.

Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola said his side were well aware of Real Madrid's habit of producing their best in tough times, with a string of injuries having depleted the visitors' defence ahead of Tuesday's Champions League playoff.