As Manchester City prepare for a crucial Champions League showdown against Real Madrid, Portuguese star Bernardo Silva remains optimistic about his team’s chances despite a challenging season.
Silva admitted that City’s performances haven’t met expectations, acknowledging that an early exit from the tournament would be a significant setback. However, he emphasized the importance of learning from past mistakes and using those experiences to approach the decisive match with confidence and determination.
Painful Memories from Last Season
Reflecting on last year’s heartbreaking elimination against Real Madrid in a dramatic penalty shootout, Silva stressed that City must stay composed, execute their game plan, and prevent Madrid from dictating the tempo.
"No matter what happens, we must believe in ourselves," Silva said. "We know how strong Real Madrid are, but we have to find the right solutions. If the game goes to penalties again, I’ll be ready to take my shot without hesitation."
Can Man City Still Qualify?
Silva also addressed Pep Guardiola’s recent comment suggesting City might have just a 1% chance of advancing. While uncertain about the exact probability, the midfielder expressed hope that their chances are higher. He acknowledged that Madrid hold the advantage after the first leg, but insisted that City are still capable of turning the tie around.
"At the start, it was considered a 50/50 matchup, but now Madrid are the favorites," Silva admitted. "The challenge at the Bernabéu is tougher, but we believe we can make it difficult for them."
A Must-Win for City's UCL Dream
With their Champions League hopes on the line, Manchester City must deliver a near-perfect performance to overcome the reigning champions. Will Guardiola’s side rise to the occasion and pull off a stunning comeback, or will Real Madrid once again prove their dominance on Europe’s biggest stage?
