‘Kings of the Champions League’ – Man City wary of Real Madrid revenge mission

The Football Faithful

·16 April 2024

‘Kings of the Champions League’ – Man City wary of Real Madrid revenge mission

Man City midfielder Bernardo Silva expects Real Madrid to be out for revenge when they face off in the Champions League this week.

The Premier League champions host the Spanish outfit for the second leg of their quarter-final tie on Wednesday after a dramatic first leg that ended 3-3 at the Bernabeu.

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The two sides have met in the knockout stages in each of the last three years; Real pulled off a shock win on their way to a 14th crown in 2022, while Man City returned the favour last year en route to their maiden triumph.

“It just felt after the season before, when we were knocked out by Real Madrid at the Bernabeu and the way that happened, we wanted to put things right,” Silva said in his pre-match press conference.

“That performance was also a bit of an apology to our fans for the season before because we knew we owed them another chance to win the competition and we finally did it.

“Now this season it’s a different game for sure, different teams. We have signings, they have signings and also players that left.

“Let’s see what happens tomorrow, but we are very confident because we play at home knowing we play against the kings of the competition. We have respect for Real Madrid and now how difficult it is going to be.”

Silva believes Real Madrid are in a better place this time around than when Man City trounced Carlo Ancelotti’s men 4-0 at home last year.

“Two different seasons and in football it never happens the same game,” the Portugues said.

“I feel Real Madrid are stronger this season than they were last season. That was my feeling when we played them at the Bernabeu.

“For sure they want a bit of revenge for that result [last season] as well.”

Wednesday’s game is due to kick off at 8pm BST.

Read – Four talking points ahead of the Champions League quarter-finals