Pep Guardiola’s reaction to Manchester City vs. Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 has stirred excitement among football fans. The two European giants are set to face off once again in what is arguably the most anticipated fixture of this round.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Manchester City’s Premier League showdown against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, Guardiola shared his thoughts on the upcoming Champions League clash.
Pep Guardiola’s reaction
He mentioned that facing Real Madrid is starting to feel like a derby in the competition, as both clubs have now met in four consecutive Champions League seasons.
“It looks like a derby already, we’ve played them [Real Madrid] four years in a row. Bayern [Munich] or [Real] Madrid, it was always going to be tough. Hopefully, we can arrive at the time in a good moment. Hopefully, we can arrive in the moment of the first leg here and the game one week later in Madrid as best as possible.”
He continued,
“It’s tough to play Real Madrid or Bayern Munich. The problem is in the middle we have to play Newcastle, and always they are so kind for the calendar for many, many years. The draw could have been nicer, yes. For one goal, we could’ve played another one. But who is to say that playing Celtic de Glasgow or another team would be even worse? We could play awful and they go through. The draw is the draw. Bayern Munich is extremely difficult, Real Madrid is extremely difficult.”
Manchester City are set to face Real Madrid in a two-legged tie this February, with the first leg taking place at the Etihad Stadium and the return fixture at the Santiago Bernabeu. Between these clashes, City will also go up against Arsenal, Liverpool, Newcastle United, and Nottingham Forest.
