Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is wary of Real Madrid’s retaliation and response as the two European giants meet for a Champions League game on Tuesday. Guardiola says it will not be easy to overcome Madrid just like they did last season when they beat them twice. The Citizens are on the road for the first leg of the UEFA Champions League clash and Guardiola explains why the clash will not be easy for him and his troops.
Manchester City defeated Carlo Ancelotti’s side 5-1 on aggregate last season and the English Premier League champions must be ready for a fight, said Guardiola.
Why Guardiola is Wary of Madrid in UEFA Last Eight Opener
The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager explains that the Spanish La Liga outfit is driven and will want to respond to the embarrassing defeat. As the reigning UEFA Champions League title holders, City beat visitors Real 4-0 last May to win their semi-final tie on aggregate, but Guardiola said Ancelotti’s team would present a different challenge.
The eagerly anticipated UEFA Champions League encounter between City and Madrid will be played at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night.
“It’s difficult. Because beating Real Madrid twice in the same way is impossible…because they learn. They have pride,” Guardiola said on Monday.
“Expect different games in the same game. They will be able to press high, so aggressive. They are so dangerous…everybody knows the strength or the transitions that they have. At the same time, you can’t come here just to control the game. You have to try to hurt them, to punch them, to let them feel we are here to score a goal…we feel strong. We are incredibly confident.”
Champions League: City Midfielder Rodri also Cautious of Madrid
The City star midfielder seems to agree with Guardiola, adding that Madrid will come with guns blazing and with a different approach. At the same time, Rodri believes the experience they gained from last season’s UEFA Champions League victory would help them stay composed under pressure. “We know we’re going to face a different Real Madrid…they play different. They control more of the game …we have to adapt ourselves,” added Rodri.
“We are a more mature team, we have experience of winning this competition and we came here with a different mentality and composure. I wish and hope the experience of winning the tournaments helps us do things right tomorrow.”
Meanwhile, Ancelotti’s men could be dented by the possibility of missing Jude Bellingham in the second leg after collecting several yellow cards. Guardiola is aware of the hitman’s abilities.
The former Borussia Dortmund star isn’t the only one walking a tightrope. His Madrid team-mates Vinicius Junior, Eduardo Camavinga, and Aurelien Tchouameni are also one booking from a ban, as is City defender Ruben Dias.
“We know Jude because we have faced Dortmund – he is so powerful and strong, has the ability to arrive at the second line and control the game,” the Spanish star said.
“But I don’t like focusing on one player – they have enormous potential in all the lines, and we have to adapt to that.”
The Los Blancos are are changed side this term as Atletico Madrid remains the only opponent to beat Ancelotti’s team in any competition this season, beating their neighbours in the league in September and the Copa del Rey in January.
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