Wednesday’s match will be Man City’s first European game since UEFA handed a two-year Champions League ban for Financial Fair Play (FFP) breaches, with the appeal has been accepted by Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS).
Ever since then, there is lingering doubt over the future of manager Pep Guardiola and City players, but Guardiola believes this season will not be the last time Man City played in the Champions League.
“These players will have many opportunities to win,” he said.
“We play a big team. We know the challenge we have to face.
“It’s not the last one. You never know what’s going to happen. We have an opportunity, we try to be ourselves.
“The desire to win has to be there or it’s impossible but it’s just another game. That’s all.”
Guardiola confirmed Raheem Sterling will return to action after suffering from a hamstring injury.
“Raheem is fit. His natural, physical condition, regeneration is amazing. He said to us, ‘I could have played the West Ham game, the game against Leicester City’.
“The doctors told us to be careful. But it’s a good sign. He’s fit. He’s ready.”
Guardiola also sadden by the absence of Real Madrid superstar Eden Hazard who sustained an ankle fracture that could keep him out the next two months.
“It’s very bad he’s not here. I had the honor of enjoying, partly, and suffering him in England.
“When you see him loads you say, ‘what a player’. I’m convinced Madrid made a wonderful signing. I wish he were here and I wish him the best recovery because he’s a magnificent player.”
Guardiola admitted that he would love to win at Santiago Bernabeu, where he competed both as a player and head coach for Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
“It’s one of the greatest places. As a player here, I won and I lost; as a coach, I won and I lost. To play the Champions League here is an honor. I have to enjoy it; it’s all I can do.”