Wed Feb 19 19:20:00 UTC 2025: ## City Defender’s Visa Issues Delay Champions League Arrival

**Madrid, Spain** – Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov’s arrival at the team hotel in Madrid was delayed until 12:40 AM on Tuesday, February 19th, due to visa complications, according to Spanish media outlet El Chiringuito. The 20-year-old Uzbekistani player, who joined City in a £33 million transfer last month, was seen entering the hotel, seemingly in good health, just hours before his team’s crucial Champions League clash against Real Madrid.

While Khusanov has consistently featured in domestic games for Manchester City, he is yet to make a European appearance for the club. His late arrival is reportedly attributed to difficulties obtaining the necessary travel documentation, complicated by the UK’s departure from the European Union and the Schengen area. Reports suggest he was forced to take a private flight to Greece before entering Spain.

Manchester City face a daunting task against Real Madrid, needing a victory to overturn a 3-2 first-leg deficit. Manager Pep Guardiola acknowledged the uphill battle, stating the team’s chances of progressing to the next round were only “one per cent”. Despite this, he confirmed that key players Erling Haaland, Jack Grealish, Ruben Dias, and Nathan Ake are all fit and available for the match. The game kicks off Wednesday night.

Read More