David Silva's Injury Distabilised Manchester City's Plan- Pellegrini

Manchester City manager, Manuel Pellegrini, has admitted that David Silva's injury distabilised the team's plan, as Ream Madrid held the Blues to a goalless draw in the first leg of the Uefa champions league clash on Tuesday night.

Real lined up without Ronaldo on the night and the Chilean dismissed the suggestion his side should have taken more from the game and insists City can earn a positive result in Madrid.

"I don't think Real's quality is only with Ronaldo," he reflected. "I think that was a very close game. We tried from the beginning to win - we pressed high - but we were not very creative.

"We were without David Silva for much of the game which was a blow for us.

"I don’t think Real are favourites to progress. We have the same options. They have the advantage of playing away first - they tried to manage the pace of the game - but we play the same way away as at home and we came away from Sevilla and PSG with good results."

On a disappointing note, Pellegrini also confirmed Silva will miss the second leg with the hamstring injury which saw him limp off.

There was brighter news as Joe Hart shone once again in the Champions League. The shot-stopper made two excellent stops to deny Casemiro and Pepe to prevent Real from netting an away goal.

As a result, England's number one earned high praise from his manager.

"His saves were very important," Pellegrini declared: "Joe didn’t have much work for the whole game but he is a good keeper and he made a very good double save before the one with Pepe."

The Blues' boss added his side will now switch their focus back to domestic matters with Sunday's vital trip to Southampton.

"The players believe in what we are doing," he stated. "Before we go to Madrid, we must continue in the Premier League against a difficult team.

"Unfortunately, we will have one day less to prepare for Wednesday's game but we trust in what we can do and we will give our all."