Federico Valverde’s Take on Manchester City
Ahead of the highly anticipated second leg against Manchester City, Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde has opened up about his past encounters with the Premier League champions. Valverde, a key player for the Spanish giants, admitted that facing City has been one of the most challenging experiences in his career. "I have faced City many times," he said, reflecting on the tough matchups. "They are among the opponents I have struggled the most against in my lifetime. Many times I wished that I never had to face them again, and to never be drawn against them again in the knock-out rounds, because they are strong, they play very well, and they are a very attacking side." Despite the historical struggles, Valverde remains optimistic about his team’s chances. "Our team right now is working way harder than ever before. No matter how many titles we may have won in the past, the team is working well, and I think we are all on the same page," he added.
Last Year’s Quarter-Final Clash
The previous season’s quarter-finals saw Real Madrid and Manchester City lock horns, with Madrid emerging victorious on penalties in the second leg. A thrilling 3-3 draw in the first leg at the Etihad Stadium featured a crucial equalising goal from Valverde, which provided the necessary momentum for the team to clinch a win. This match exemplifies the sort of resilience and late-game heroics that have become synonymous with Carlo Ancelotti’s Madrid. "At the end of the day it is just like last year, where we were the ones who had to absolutely go for it in England, we had to fight to get through, and they will do the same this year," Valverde shared, drawing parallels to the recent past. Nevertheless, he maintains a focused and determined mindset. "But as I always say, I will try to focus on what is ahead of us, on my club, on my teammates, and of course, I will be able to sleep at night, knowing we are eleven to fifteen players ready to give it all."
Valverde’s Versatile Role
While stars like Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham often dominate the headlines, Valverde has been an indispensable asset for Real Madrid this season, playing in every single game. His versatility has been particularly evident, as he has seamlessly transitioned to right-back, a position he occupied in the first leg in Manchester, delivering a standout performance. "It has been good, as I have always said, it is an honour to be a part of this club, and to keep playing matches. It is true that there are still positions I do not know that well, but I try to learn them, I try to help the team," Valverde explained. His adaptability and commitment are traits that have earned him high praise from both fans and the coaching staff. "As of now, playing right back is something I am enjoying a lot. I think I may be doing things right, according to the manager, so that gives me a clear conscience," he said, highlighting his current comfort in the position.
Preparing for the Second Leg
The Santiago Bernabeu will be the stage for the second leg of this Champions League tie, with Real Madrid undoubtedly the favorites to progress. However, Valverde is acutely aware of the quality and threat posed by Manchester City. "I have always said that it is an honour to play for this club, and every match is an opportunity to prove ourselves. We are preparing meticulously for this game, knowing the challenge it presents," he noted. The Uruguayan midfielder emphasized the team’s unity and work ethic, stating, "We are all on the same page, and the entire squad is committed to giving their best. We have the experience and the heart to face any challenge, and we will do just that on Wednesday."
Ancelotti Refutes Guardiola’s ‘1%’ Claim
Manager Carlo Ancelotti has also weighed in on the upcoming tie, refuting a recent claim by City’s coach, Pep Guardiola, that Madrid have only a 1% chance of winning the Champions League this year. "That is not true," Ancelotti firmly stated. "We respect Manchester City, but we believe in our team and our abilities. We have a rich history in this competition, and our players are ready to fight until the end." The Italian coach’s confidence and positive outlook are crucial in maintaining the team’s morale and focus as they head into what promises to be another intense and closely contested match.
How to Watch Real Madrid v Man City
The second leg between Real Madrid and Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabeu is scheduled for Wednesday, February 19, with kick-off at 20:00 UK time. TNT Sports 1 will be broadcasting the match, with live coverage beginning at 19:00. For those looking to catch the action, TNT Sports is available across all major TV platforms, including discovery+, BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media. The network offers a comprehensive lineup of up to four TV channels (TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports 2, TNT Sports 3, TNT Sports 4) and up to six digital or red-button channels (TNT Sports 5 to 10), ensuring fans have multiple ways to follow the game. Additionally, TNT Sports Ultimate and TNT Sports Box Office HD provide premium viewing options. Whether you’re a staunch Real Madrid supporter or a fan of Manchester City, this match is not to be missed, as it promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of the most formidable teams in European football.
