Real Madrid’s Quest for Revenge: Insights from Guardiola
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola believes Real Madrid will be determined to get revenge after they were thrashed by City in last season’s Champions League. City beat Real 5-1 on aggregate in the semi-finals, but Guardiola has no doubt that the 14-time winners will pose a tough test in Tuesday’s quarter-final first leg in Madrid.
Guardiola acknowledges that it will be difficult for the same thing to happen again, stating that beating Real Madrid twice in a row is impossible. He believes that Real Madrid has learned from their defeat and will be seeking revenge, given their pride as a club. Guardiola’s comments highlight the challenge that City will face in their upcoming clash with Real Madrid.
On the other side, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti wants his team to show more mental strength than they did when they faced City last season. After a 1-1 draw in Madrid, City went on to thrash Real Madrid 4-0 in the second leg. Ancelotti admits that his team lacked courage and personality in that game and emphasizes the importance of these qualities in such high-stakes matches. He stresses that being at their best mentally is crucial for Real Madrid’s success against City.
Antonio Rudiger, former Chelsea defender and current City player, reflects on last season’s first leg against Real Madrid. He recalls the defensive effort to keep Erling Haaland quiet but acknowledges that he did not start in the second leg. Despite this, Rudiger accepts the coach’s decision and now focuses on the upcoming game against Real Madrid. He mentions the plan to control dangerous players like Phil Foden, Kevin De Bruyne, and, of course, Haaland.
An interesting addition to Real Madrid’s squad this season is Jude Bellingham. The England midfielder has been a revelation for Real Madrid, scoring 20 goals across all competitions. Ancelotti praises Bellingham’s contributions, highlighting his physical strength and versatility in both defensive and offensive aspects of the game. The Real Madrid coach also commends Bellingham’s professionalism and maturity, despite being only 20 years old.
In terms of team news, Guardiola is unsure whether to start Ederson in goal against Real Madrid. The Brazil international has not played since getting injured in a match against Liverpool on March 10. Stefan Ortega has been in goal for the last four games, keeping two clean sheets. Guardiola states that he needs to think about the decision and consider Ederson’s lack of rhythm before making a choice. He also praises Ortega as an exceptional goalkeeper.
Defenders Nathan Ake and Kyle Walker did not travel to Madrid for the game, while Josko Gvardiol is a doubt after being substituted at half-time in the recent win against Crystal Palace. These absences may impact Guardiola’s defensive strategy for the match.
In conclusion, the upcoming clash between Manchester City and Real Madrid promises to be an exciting encounter. Both teams have their motivations, with City aiming to maintain their dominance over Real Madrid, and Real Madrid seeking revenge for last season’s defeat. The coaches’ comments provide insights into their respective approaches and highlight the key players to watch out for. The team news adds an element of uncertainty, particularly regarding the goalkeeper position for Manchester City. Fans can expect an intense battle between two top European clubs vying for a place in the Champions League semi-finals.