Manchester City are pinning their hopes on their new Egyptian star, Omar Marmoush, as they prepare to face Real Madrid on Wednesday in the second leg of the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League round of 16 play-off.
Marmoush joined Manchester City in the 2025 winter transfer window from Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal worth nearly €75 million. He now joins the list of Arab stars at the Sky Blues.
The first leg at the Etihad Stadium ended in a 3-2 defeat for Manchester City. Despite leading by two goals, they could not hold on, suffering a heartbreaking loss in the final minutes against Real Madrid.
Omar Marmoush: Manchester City’s 1% hope against Real Madrid
Before the match, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola stated that his team have just a 1% chance of progressing against Real Madrid at the Bernabéu. Spanish daily Marca linked this slim hope to Omar Marmoush, who has recently shown impressive form.
In a report published on Monday, Marca suggested that the 1% chance Guardiola mentioned hinges on Marmoush’s brilliance, especially after his hat-trick against Newcastle in the 25th round of the Premier League.
Marmoush failed to score in his first four matches for Manchester City but made up for it with a historic hat-trick against Newcastle United on Saturday. His performance helped the Citizens secure a 4-0 victory.
Marca believes that if there is any chance for Manchester City to progress, it lies in Marmoush’s exceptional form. The Egyptian star could be the key to victory and progression against Real Madrid.
This marks the fourth consecutive season that Manchester City have faced Real Madrid in the Champions League. Last season, Real Madrid knocked City out in the quarter-finals on penalties.
Omar Marmoush and a historic season
Marmoush has contributed to 36 goals this season for both Eintracht Frankfurt and Manchester City. Only three players in Europe have outperformed him: Mohamed Salah (46), Raphinha (38), and Harry Kane (38).
The 25-year-old, born in Cairo, boasts impressive stats in both scoring and creating chances. He has scored 23 goals and provided 13 assists, making him a unique asset in Pep Guardiola’s attack.
The match against Real Madrid will be a true test of Marmoush’s abilities. It will also serve as a realistic measure of his effectiveness and whether he justifies the €75 million Manchester City paid to sign him from Eintracht Frankfurt.
