What is unfolding at Real Madrid — bottom of their Champions League group with a single point — has not escaped the attention of Pep Guardiola.
It has strengthened his view that, even allowing for the manic schedule, Manchester City cannot afford to take team selection risks in Europe.
Tuesday night is the first of a double-header against Olympiacos, with qualification only two wins away. City hope they can beat the Greek champions twice, progress to the last 16, and then field a team sprinkled with academy prospects — giving some key players a rest heading into the hectic Christmas period.