Manchester City maestro Bernardo Silva has revealed why it is so “difficult” to face Real Madrid.
Ahead of the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final, Jude Bellingham discussed City’s “unpredictability” and their quality as a whole as the reason why they are such a dangerous team.
Both sets of players likely have huge respect for each other’s teams heading into the contest at the Etihad Stadium.
In recent history, no team has given Real Madrid a run for their money like Manchester City did in their 4-0 victory last season, a game in which Bernardo Silva starred.
Similarly, Rodrygo’s heroics against Pep Guardiola’s men in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final in 2022 must have taught them a lesson about the mentality required to win the competition.
While Manchester City have the advantage of playing at home against Real Madrid, Bernardo Silva and his teammates will be aware that to defeat a powerhouse like the visitors, such a perk might not prove to be enough on the Night.
To conquer a team like Los Blancos, it is critical to be clinical, dominant and mentally resolute.
Especially in a European tie, Carlo Ancelotti’s side guarantee a game that will have plenty of twists and turns.
Even on an off day, the Spanish giants find a way to fight back and give themselves a chance of winning.
While their quality will more often than not lead them to getting goalscoring chances, wherever they play.
As a result, City will have to be put in a disciplined performance, both defensively and offensively to rear the head of the kings of the Champions League.
If not, the hosts could pay on Wednesday night.
Ahead of the clash, Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva gave an insight into what makes Real Madrid such a challenging team to face.
"It’s weird. Madrid is a weird team in terms of, sometimes, it feels like you’re in control of the game and out of nothing, they run twice and they score two goals because their players individually, they’re so good", the £43 million man told TNT Sports.
Bernardo Silva continued, "They’re so quick and so strong in the counter and it’s not easy to control them. It’s not easy because if you attack with too many players, they run on the counter. If you don’t attack with a lot players, it just feels that you’re not effective enough to attack them properly."
"So, it’s difficult to make these difficult decisions in the game. But hopefully, we’re going to see the replay of the game at the Bernabeu and try to do it at better at home because we really want to qualify to the semi-finals."
In our view, Bernardo Silva is spot on about the unpredictable nature of playing against Real Madrid and his Manchester City teammates need no reminding of the experience of playing against them.
However, just because the second leg is at home does not mean the City players do not keep Bernardo’s words in mind.
Playing into Real Madrid’s hands would be allowing the game to be end-to-end.
Instead, the Sky Blues should play their natural game and alter their approach as per the tempo of the match.
Carlo Ancelotti has coached his team to feel comfortable as both the dominant team and one that sits back, soaks pressure and plays on the counter.
As a result, Manchester City must find ways to ensure that most of the game is played at their pace.