City take on holders Real Madrid in the first leg of their play-off tie on Tuesday (11.02.25) and the defender believes that Europe can provide salvation with the club off the pace in the Premier League following a troubled season.

Dias said: "This has been the most difficult season since I have been here but I am a firm believer that even in the most difficult moments, you can still achieve something beautiful.

"We know how difficult it will be to get through but we have loads of guns in the dressing room. We just have to use them in the right way."

The mouthwatering clash has been given additional spice by Real's decision to snub the Ballon d'Or ceremony last year in protest at Vinicius Jr. missing out on the accolade to City midfielder Rodri - although Dias wasn't particularly bothered by the La Liga side's boycott.

The Portuguese international said: "Being honest with you, I didn't spend one second thinking about it.

"I was happy for Rodri. Vinicius had an extraordinary year and also deserved it. It's like in the past when [Lionel] Messi and Cristiano [Ronaldo] were fighting for it."

City have performed patchily all season and coach Pep Guardiola has no idea what version of his team will be on display against Real.

The manager said: "We have been unstable this season when we have not been in the past.

"What's defined the team over the last decade is that we have been an incredible machine every three days.

"This year, we have not been consistent. Of course we can perform well. Of course we can perform well in Madrid. Before I can tell you that will happen. I don't know how we will react.

"Of course it would be good to continue for the club, for the prestige of winning this competition. I like to feel, week by week, month by month, we are there. Now it's like, I don't know."