Manchester City must be better to keep their Champions League defence alive against Real Madrid | OneFootball

Manchester City must be better tonight than they were a week ago at the Bernabeu to continue their UEFA Champions League defence Pep Guardiola has warned. Their quarter-final tie against Real Madrid is on a knives edge, with the tie being level at 3-all before tonight’s winner takes all clash at the Etihad Stadium. The scene is set for another classic between the two teams who have built an enthralling rivalry over recent seasons.

Speaking with TNT Sports, Pep Guardiola said that his team must do better tonight if they are to progress tonight. Speaking about tonight’s match, the City manager said: “Honestly, we will have to do better than in Madrid if we want to go through. We were fantastic, 3-3 is an incredible result, the guys gave everything, but we have to adjust something that was not as good as we should do. But at home, we feel comfortable in trying to adjust it.”

Manchester City has room for improvement following last week’s draw with Real Madrid.

It was evident during last week’s 3-all draw at the Bernabeu that Manchester City weren’t quite at their best. While they controlled the game for large periods, they were also vulnerable at the back and gave away possession to often, especially in the first half. Time and time again in the first half, the European champions were susceptible to quick counters from Real Madrid. Most of which occurred after City had lost possession in midfield. The world champions steadied in the second half, which was played more on Manchester City’s terms before the game finished 3-all.

Two players in particular could have a big role to play if Manchester City are to improve on last week’s performance. Rodri and Bernardo Silva were often guilty of giving away possession in the face of Real Madrid’s press. It was an unusual sight given the high standards the pair usually set on the pitch. If the pair are back to their best tonight, it should see a lift in Manchester City’s performance. Rodri, in particular, isn’t a player who strings two bad performances together. If he is at his best, his team usually follows his lead. The same can be said for Bernardo Silva.

Manchester City must improve on their performance at the Bernabeu to continue their UEFA Champions League defence. Rest assured that Pep Guardiola and his team will make the necessary adjustments to attempt to build on the platform they enter tonight’s with. After such an odyssey to finally claim their maiden UCL crown, Pep Guardiola’s side will be eager to continue on in this season’s competition. If they can fight their way to the final at Wembley, a helpful guide on securing UCL Final Tickets can be found at the link provided.