Picture Special

Training: Chasing the European dream

Two days to go!

The return of Champions League football is edging closer, and the excitement is building.

Preparations have intensified, as City sharpen up for Friday night’s last 16 second leg visit of La Liga title-winners Real Madrid to the Etihad Stadium.

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Pep Guardiola‘s men hold a 2-1 advantage from the first-leg encounter at the Bernabeu and will hope to replicate that superb display to secure progression to the quarter-finals.

The squad were in high spirits in midweek, putting in the hard yards at training at the City Football Academy.

View the best snaps from the latest training session in the gallery below...

1

1

PEP TALK : The boss relays instruction

PEP TALK : The boss relays instruction
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2

ROLLING STONES : The defender plots his route

ROLLING STONES : The defender plots his route
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3

STARS IN THEIR EYES : The Champions League balls

STARS IN THEIR EYES : The Champions League balls
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4

ATTACK v DEFENCE : Aymeric Laporte and Phil Foden race for possession

ATTACK v DEFENCE : Aymeric Laporte and Phil Foden race for possession
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5

BELGIAN BRILLIANCE : Kevin De Bruyne shows off his silky skills

BELGIAN BRILLIANCE : Kevin De Bruyne shows off his silky skills
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6

BRAZILIAN MAGIC : Fernandinho is excited! Aren't we all?

BRAZILIAN MAGIC : Fernandinho is excited! Aren't we all?
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7

ON THE HUNT : Raheem Sterling will be looking to continue his fine form

ON THE HUNT : Raheem Sterling will be looking to continue his fine form
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8

AERIAL BATTLE : Who came out on top?

AERIAL BATTLE : Who came out on top?
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9

BUZZING : Ilkay Gundogan, in high spirits

BUZZING : Ilkay Gundogan, in high spirits
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10

EYES ON THE PRIZE : Phil Foden and Gabriel Jesus lock on their target

EYES ON THE PRIZE : Phil Foden and Gabriel Jesus lock on their target
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11

SPOTTED : Raheem Sterling plays up to the camera

SPOTTED : Raheem Sterling plays up to the camera
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12

LOOKING AHEAD : Gabriel Jesus bagged the crucial leveller at the Bernabeu

LOOKING AHEAD : Gabriel Jesus bagged the crucial leveller at the Bernabeu
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13

BRAZILIAN FLAIR : "On yer head, son!"

BRAZILIAN FLAIR : "On yer head, son!"
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14

LEADING THE TEAM : The boss, in focus

LEADING THE TEAM : The boss, in focus