London, Europe Brief News – Real Madrid’s 23-man travelling squad has been confirmed for the first-leg of their Champions League semi-final clash at the Etihad Stadium against Manchester City.
Manchester City are expected to be in high spirits after demolishing Watford with a rampant 5-1 win on Saturday afternoon.
However, a bigger challenge presents City as they prepare to go head-to-head in the first-leg of the Champions League tie against European specialists, Real Madrid on Tuesday night at Etihad Stadium.
Real Madrid’s glittering history in the Champions League gives them an advantage when they face Manchester City in the first leg of the semi-finals, according to the Spanish side’s coach Carlo Ancelotti.
“The history that Real Madrid has in this competition means a lot more to us than to our rivals,” said Ancelotti in a press conference on Monday.
“That history that has grown over the years helps the players feel the weight of the shirt, a weight that is positive, not negative.”
Pep Guardiola admitted Manchester City cannot compete with Real Madrid’s European pedigree but said they can write a new chapter of their own.
“If we had to compete with history, we wouldn’t have a chance,” Guardiola said at his pre-match press conference. “Their history speaks for itself.
“We have to have the desire to compete against them. To play against Real Madrid is an incredible test. We want to try it. We need to suffer, to stick together, when we have the ball, try to attack.”
