Pep Guardiola said he is not deflated at having to battle for a place in next season's Champions League and believes doing so would be a "huge success" in a difficult season for Manchester City.
In a rematch of last year's unforgettable Champions League semifinal, 14-time winners Real Madrid and defending champions Manchester City lock horns once again, squaring off in Tuesday's quarter-final first leg at the Bernabeu.
Champions Manchester City are ominously poised to strike in the new year despite a dip in form from last season's treble winners, while Arsenal, Aston Villa and Tottenham are also in the mix.
"Everyone is so happy, we need to enjoy the moment," said Luiz.
Erling Haaland misses Manchester City's Premier League clash against Luton on Sunday with a foot injury that could impact his availability for the champions' hectic Christmas schedule.
Elsewhere, Scott McTominay scored twice as Manchester United beat Chelsea 2-1 and Fulham hammered Nottingham Forest 5-0, heaping the pressure on manager Steve Cooper
Alexander Isak scored the only goal at St. James' Park in a clash between two much-changed sides.
Manchester United and Chelsea are under pressure to get back on track as the Premier League returns from an international break, while Manchester City aim to maintain their perfect start to the season.
Guardiola said he was "not a god" when asked if he was the greatest of all time after arriving in Japan for City's pre-season tour
Haaland scored twice in City's 3-1 win over beleaguered Leicester City to equal Mo Salah's record tally of 32 goals in a 38-game Premier League season
In the 12 years since Guardiola last lifted the European Cup as Barcelona boss, he has often been accused of over-complicating things in the Champions League knockout stages
With Erling Haaland ruled out through a groin issue, the World Cup winner led the City line with aplomb, scoring to level in the first half after Mo Salah had given Liverpool an early lead
The 22-year-old has scored an extraordinary 42 goals in 37 matches in all competitions this season, including eight in his previous two games, but he injured his groin against Burnley on March 18
Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne will miss Wednesday's Champions League last 16 first leg with RB Leipzig, after he was left out of his side's squad for the game.
On Monday, the Premier League released a statement where it stated that, “In accordance with Premier League Rule W.82.1, the Premier League confirms that it has today referred a number of alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules by Manchester City Football Club”
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola on Thursday said he was well aware of Mikel Arteta's quality long before he led Arsenal to the top of the Premier League, lauding the north London team for keeping faith in his former assistant.
Manchester City got back to winning ways in thrilling style after coming from two goals down to beat Tottenham Hotspur 4-2 on Thursday, a victory that moved the champions to within five points of Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola likened the legacy left behind by Pele to the script of a movie on Friday, saying football would not be what it was without the Brazilian soccer legend.
Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola believes Erling Haaland is not at his best and can get even better despite the Norwegian becoming the fastest player to reach 20 goals in Premier League history during his side's 3-1 win at Leeds United.
