Pep Guardiola says Manchester City will have to go beyond just dominating Real Madrid in their quarter-final first-leg clash at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night, if they want to reach the last four of the UEFA Champions League.
Manchester City stunned Real Madrid in a thrilling 5-1 result last season in the Champions League semi-final over two legs, and eventually went all the way to grab their first-ever European title.
However, a lot has changed since last year, with Real Madrid more devastating and convincing in games this season while the Cityzens on the other hand still have a lot to play for in all competitions.
Speaking ahead of the game on Tuesday night at the Santiago Bernabeu, Guardiola insisted that his team will have to go the extra mile if they want to be the better side after 180 minutes of mouthwatering action.
“We cannot come here just to control the game, we have to hurt Real Madrid, to punish them, to try to score goals. Beating Real Madrid two times in a row in the same way is not easy”, he said in the pre-match interview.
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Manchester City and Real Madrid have locked horns in the knockout round of the Champions League for the last three seasons in a row, and the advantage lies in the balance with both clubs winning one tie apiece.
Managers with most wins in UEFA Champions League history:
1. Carlo Ancelotti — 113 wins
2. Pep Guardiola — 109 winsComing 🔜 : Real Madrid 🆚 Manchester City 🔥#RealMadridManchesterCity #RMAMCI #RealMadridCity pic.twitter.com/7bMinCTz34
— Olt Sports (@oltsport_) April 9, 2024
The game at the Santiago Bernabeu will most definitely produce some enthralling moments, yet Real Madrid will be the ones with the highest confidence knowing their fans will rally support behind them as they eye a 15th European club title.
Guardiola’s men are equally determined to go beyond this stage once more as they aim to defend the title.