Pep Guardiola has denied claims he has influenced UEFA into allowing his side to stage their Champions League clash with Real Madrid at the Etihad.Club bosses are becoming increasingly confident of being given the green light to face Real at home in last 16, second leg showdown.Guardiola's men held a precious 2-1 advantage from the first leg in Spain before the season went into lockdown because of the Covid-19 crisis.In the wake of the pandemic UEFA announced the tournament would be completed in Portugal's capital Lisbon once the season resumed.UEFA wanted all 12 outstanding last-16 games across the Champions League and Europa League competitions to be played in the same countries as their 'Final 8' knockout tournament has been scheduled.
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