Manchester City played a goalless draw with Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final at the Etihad on Tuesday to keep a foot in the elite tournament.
Prior to the kick-off, Madrid were handed a huge blow with Cristiano Ronaldo being ruled out for after failing a last minute fitness test.
Lucas Vasquez was drafted into the starting line up in place of Ronaldo.
Pellegrini brought in Fernando to partner Fernandinho in the absence of Ivorian midfield powerhouse, Yaya Toure.
In a game of few chances created and both goalkeepers less troubled, City playmaker, David Silva, hobbled off the pitch on the brink of halftime and was replaced by Nigeria youngster, Kelechi Iheanacho.
The start of the second-half saw Karim Benzema being replaced by Jese who came close to breaking the deadlock in the 70th minute with his headed attempt hitting the woodwork.
The visitors built dominance as the game wore on.
City keeper, Joe Hart, thwarted a Casemiro header with an outstretched leg and then denying Pepe from a point blank range.
The Citizens will travel to the Spanish capital for next week’s return leg tie and Los Blancos will hope to have their influential forward, Ronaldo, back for the game.
