Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola anticipates Real Madrid’s strong desire for vengeance following their resounding defeat by City in the previous season’s Champions League, where City emerged victorious with a 5-1 aggregate scoreline in the semi-finals.
Guardiola acknowledges the formidable challenge Real Madrid, a 14-time Champions League winner, will present in the upcoming quarter-final first leg clash on Tuesday in Madrid (20:00 BST).
Expressing his belief that replicating last season’s feat of defeating Real Madrid twice consecutively is implausible, Guardiola remarks on Real Madrid’s capacity for learning and their hunger for retaliation, citing their sense of pride.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti emphasizes the necessity for his team to exhibit greater mental fortitude than they did in their previous encounter with Manchester City. Ancelotti critiques his team’s lack of courage and personality in the second leg, stressing the importance of these qualities in high-stakes matches.
Former Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger, who played a pivotal role in neutralizing Erling Haaland in the first leg of their encounter last season, reflects on his absence from the starting lineup in the subsequent match in Manchester. Despite Rudiger’s initial disappointment, he accepts the coach’s decision and underscores the team’s strategy to contain key threats such as Phil Foden, Kevin De Bruyne, and Haaland in the upcoming fixture.
Real Madrid’s squad dynamics have evolved with the addition of midfielder Jude Bellingham, whose impactful performances, notably his 20 goals across various competitions, have bolstered the team this season. Ancelotti praises Bellingham’s contributions both defensively and offensively, highlighting his professionalism, maturity, and humility despite his young age of 20.
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