Pep Guardiola’s men ousted the La Liga leaders, Real Madrid over two legs in the UCL quarter-finals two years ago
By Kehinde Okeowo
Man City gaffer, Pep Guardiola has said for his side to come out victorious against Real Madrid in the two-legged UEFA Champions League (UCL) semi-finals, they must suffer and be well coordinated.
The English Premier League leaders take on Los Blancos in the first leg of their semi-final clash on Tuesday at the Etihad for a place in the finals of UCL in Paris.
The Citizens are looking to play in successive finals, after losing last year’s final to West London club, Chelsea. They are also aiming to win the trophy for the first time in their history.
A lot is also at stake for Pep Guardiola who has won the cup twice with Barcelona but has not won the trophy after leaving the La Liga giant.
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Speaking before the Tuesday encounter on Monday, the Spanish tactician said his team must stick together and know there will be periods in the game they will have to suffer if they are to beat Real Madrid.
He also told his players to enjoy the match despite much riding on it, as it might be an opportunity of a lifetime to play against Real Madrid.
He said: “To beat an opponent like Real Madrid, when you’re playing bad, stick together, suffer together for hopefully as few minutes as possible
“I said to the players enjoy the moment. You never know, it could be once in a lifetime.”
Pep Guardiola’s men defeated Real Madrid over two legs in the quarter-the finals two years ago and will be hoping for a repeat of the same in this year’s UCL semi-finals.
