Guardiola: Real Madrid? The toughest opponent we could get. We have to execute our plan better than in the first game

Without exaggeration, the whole football world is looking forward to the Champions League semi-final rematch between Real Madrid and Manchester City. Last season this duel offered a thrilling spectacle, this time it was not so exciting in the first match, but the second match promises quality football again.

These are the two strongest teams in the world at the moment. Manchester City is the furthest away in quality, game-wise, probably no team in the world can match it.

But in the Champions League it can’t handle the key moments, Real Madrid on the other hand can do that perfectly and that makes it one of the two strongest teams in the world, even if it doesn’t stand out in the game.

Last season we watched two absolutely amazing semi-finals. The first game at the Etihad Stadium was a shootout that ended 4-3 to the home team, but there could have been many more goals. In the rematch, we witnessed a breathtaking turnaround in the set-up.

This time, the first leg was not as exciting, although two wonderful goals from Vinícius and De Bruyne were a feast for the eyes.

“We are playing against Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals, the toughest possible opponent we can face in recent years. It’s a challenge, we accept it and we’re up to it,” Pep Guardiola told a news conference.

Erling Haaland, the Citizens’ main attacking star, was not seen much in the first game. The Spanish coach signalled immediately after the game that his team needed to play a little differently for the rematch to get the Norwegian hitman into the game.

“We have a game plan and we have to execute it a little better than in the first game. We have to adjust some things, create more chances for our strikers, get more balls to them. But of course they have great quality in all ranks,” Guardiola added.

Source: UEFA, Manchester City