Every little thing matters in a match like the one between Real Madrid and Manchester City. Guardiola, whose team did play last weekend when there was no League in Spain due to the Copa del Rey final, made critical comments about Real Madrid's nine days of rest.

"I, and I speak for myself, am used to playing every three days; we like it more, and our bodies get used to that. When you stop for a week and say 'I'm going to rest' it's worse. It seems like it costs you twice as much, you get tired more, you get more contractions during the game... But it's up to whoever made the schedule." Fede Valverde's words summed up the feeling of Real Madrid locker room in terms of physical sensations after the game. An impression shared by Antonio Pintus, responsible for the team's physical preparation.

Beyond the sensations, there is the data. The physical analysis of the performance of the protagonists of Tuesday's spectacular match at the Bernabéu does not reflect Real Madrid's supposed superiority as a result of going nine days without playing. Quite the contrary. The player who covered the most distance was Rodri (12 kilometers), followed by three teammates: Bernardo SIlva (11.6), Foden and Kovacic (11.2). The first Real Madrid player on this list is Camavinga (11.1), followed by Bellingham (10.9).

Although the distance covered is not an absolutely decisive piece of information, it is as revealing as it is striking for the fans. Only four Real Madrid fans exceeded 10 kilometers, while the number of 'cityzens' went up to eight. In total, the English team added 109.3 kilometers, compared to 104.2 for the whites.

Although in football there are no absolute truths, it seems that reality does not support Guardiola's theses, at least in regards to the first match of the tie.

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