Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini stands by his axing of Mario Balotelli for defeat at Real Madrid. Balotelli was left out of the squad and the controversial Italian striker is likely to be missing again for tomorrow's intriguing Premier League clash at home to Arsenal.

Mancini said of his Madrid line-up: "I made the best decision for the team. It was a tactical choice because I wanted two strikers on the bench and three is too much."

He admitted that Balotelli did not take his exclusion well, having travelled to Spain. Mancini added: "Mario was upset but I think that is normal. There is not a player out there who would not want to play in the Bernabeu."