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'We want kids to go to school and that is maybe more important than people in stadiums': Pep Guardiola keen for fans to return but only when Covid-19 is in retreat as Man City prepare to face Real Madrid in empty Etihad

Pep Guardiola hopes children return to school before crowds are allowed back inside football stadiums.

Manchester City host Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium tonight aiming to make the last eight of the Champions League.

The biggest match of their campaign is behind closed doors, with the originally scheduled second leg sold out two months in advance. While Guardiola wants fans back when it is safe, he suggested on Thursday that education must take priority in response to Covid-19.

Pep Guardiola is keen to see fans return to stadiums but only when the Covid-19 danger is over
Kevin de Bruyne celebrates after scoring City's winner in the Bernabeu back in February
City hold a 2-1 advantage as they prepare for Friday night's second leg against Real Madrid

‘I think all professionals — managers and players — miss the spectators,’ said the City manager.