source : Unsplash
Having tasted Champions League semi final disappointment against Real Madrid in the
2021/22 campaign, Pep Guardiola's Manchester City side have a very familiar challenge
at the same stage of the competition this year, and although the first leg did not go
exactly as they would have hoped, City came away from the Santiago Bernabeu with a
one all draw, which sets them up nicely for the second leg challenge back at the Etihad
Stadium next Wednesday.
All along, Guardiola has denied that it would be a revenge mission in the double header,
he simply wanted his side to play their game and he then had confidence that they
would then finally end their European nightmare. Confidence of doing just that after the
first leg will be high, and they of course came into the first game in good spirits having
reestablished control in the race for the Premier League title given Arsenal's unexpected
campaign so far, and should they pass the second leg test against Los Blancos, they
could well be still on for a very enjoyable season treble and for those who like a small
flutter,
champions league betting odds are probably very generous during the build up to
the game.
England star, Jack Grealish, seems very confident about the task ahead following their
performance in the opening game.
"We have a new team this year with different players. We have learned so much since
last year. Now we have the perfect balance of experience and a few youngsters who are
just world-class. I think we just have quality and I've never felt so confident going on to
the pitch and having these players around me."
With Belgian international Kevin De Bruyne grabbing the equaliser over in Spain, the
former Aston Villa man was full of praise for him after his goal, and he had no doubts
that his team mate was more than capable of doing the same on home soil now to help
drive them through to the final."We all know what a guy Kevin is and what a brilliant player he has been for this football
club. Nights like this are just made for him and sum him up really. City fans can't count
how many times he's scored important goals, got important assists. It must have meant
a lot to him and obviously I'm buzzing for him."
Speaking for specifically about the upcoming tie, 27 year old
Grealish ended by saying.
"We feel unstoppable at the Etihad. We came here to try and win, but it shows our
character to go a goal down. It's always difficult to play at a place like this. In the end, I
think it was a fair result. They had their chances but we had a few as well."
City fans will certainly be hoping it is finally their year in the competition, as it is the one
that has so far eluded them despite their domestic dominance.
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Manchester City - Real Madrid