Guardiola is, however, grateful to have had another opportunity to play at the same stage of the competition against Real Madrid
By Kehinde Okeowo
Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola has said defeat to La Liga champions, Real Madrid in the semi-final of the UEFA Champions League (UCL) last year was like ‘the end of the world’.
Los Blancos will host the Citizens once again, in the first-leg of the UCL semi-final tie on Tuesday night at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The La Liga giants eliminated Man City last season with a 6-5 win, including that dramatic 3-1 comeback in the Spanish capital.
Real Madrid went on to lift the Champions League trophy that season, beating another Premier League side, Liverpool in the final.
Guardiola is, however, grateful to have another chance to play in the semi-final of the competition.
“Last season it was [like] the end of the world but here we are again,” he said.
“The important thing is we are trying to get better every year.
“The difference is the second leg is at home and everything will be decided in Manchester.”
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Meanwhile, former Liverpool manager, Rafael Benitez has told Man City the three players to watch out for ahead of their Champions League semi-final tie.
Speaking ahead of the double header semi-final clash, he advised Man City to be wary of the threat of the likes of Vinicius, Karim Benzema and Thibaut Courtois.
“There is the threat of Vinicius Jr,” Benitez told The Times.
“[He] scored in the first leg of last year’s semi-final at the Etihad Stadium, who is trying to run into the space on the right of City’s backline.
“Also, Karim Benzema has very good movement. He likes to come between the lines which makes it difficult for two centre backs; it can be a massive gamble to leave him against just one.
“It is about risk and reward and trusting players… But let us not forget Thibaut Courtois.
“When Real have been in difficult situations, he has always done very well for them.
“He is a world-class goalkeeper and his battle with Haaland is one to watch.”