Pep Guardiola said he selected Jack Grealish against Real Madrid for the qualities he could offer against that specific opponent - so it was a double blow when the winger had to be replaced after just half an hour in the Champions League play-off tie.

Grealish was a surprise starter against Real, coming after a decent performance against Leyton Orient in the FA Cup and subsequent Guardiola calls for him to rediscover his 'street fighter' form.

Guardiola wanted Grealish to play on the left vs Real for control, and he played a crucial role in City's opening goal as he collected a ball from Erling Haaland, chipped it over the top to Josko Gvardiol, and the defender's chest back to Haaland resulted in the first goal of the two-legged tie.

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But Grealish's involvement ended soon after as he went down off the ball and called to come off. Phil Foden was quickly readied and Grealish walked unaided down the tunnel and back to the City dressing room.

City face Newcastle at the Etihad on Saturday before next week's second leg in Madrid followed by a home clash with Liverpool in the Premier League.

Grealish had this week described this season as a tough period in his life as he struggled with injury and form, and the Real Madrid start was a huge chance for him to build on and get a run in the team.