Man City winger wary of Real Madrid threat – ‘Achieve a comeback in the last five minutes’ | OneFootball

As Barcelona and Atletico Madrid rest for a week before their next games, Real Madrid face the punishment for their inconsistent performances in the UEFA Champions League.

Having failed to secure a top-8 berth, Los Blancos find themselves in the playoff and must win over two legs to ensure they secure a place in the Round of 16.

The draw, however, only made the route to the next round harder as Carlo Ancelotti’s men were drawn up against Manchester City and will now face Pep Guardiola’s men in the first leg tomorrow night.

Manchester City star previews the game

Speaking to the media ahead of the blockbuster UEFA Champions League clash, Manchester City star Savinho gave his two cents about the upcoming clash and how it was a big moment for him to be part of the famed game.

“I always watched Manchester City against Real Madrid on television when I played for Atletico Mineiro, and now, it’s my turn to be here living this moment.”

“There were not many options in the draw, it was either Bayern or Real Madrid, two great teams, and we got Real Madrid,” he added, speaking on how Manchester City were destined to face a European giant anyhow.

He then opened up on the conversations he had in the dressing room with his teammates and the experiences he heard about how grueling it is to play against Real Madrid.

“I talked to Bernardo and even with Real Madrid players while I was with them in the national team, and they told me that sometimes, due to the strength of their shield, let’s say they are losing 2-0, 3-0 and the game is not over.”

“They know that they can do what they did in the last Champions League at any time: achieve a comeback in the last five minutes of the game,” he added on Real Madrid being the comeback kings.

Savinho aware of Real Madrid’s threat ahead of UCL playoff. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Savinho then commented on what his side had to do in order to scrape past Los Blancos on the night and how it was vital to make the most of the few chances they got.

“We must be focused and take advantage of opportunities when we have them, that will be very important. I learned that in Girona,” he began.

“We played very, very well but we didn’t take advantage of our chances and when they had one, they sentenced the game,” he added.

Finally, the forward lamented that teams like Real Madrid and Manchester City even found themselves in the playoff, especially considering that they have been the regular favorites in recent years.

“We should reach the next round in a more convincing way and not be in a play-off against Real Madrid,” Savinho noted.

“And it is worth remembering that Real Madrid, with all the weight that its shirt carries, should not be in the play-off either, with due respect to the other teams,” he concluded.

Source: Mundo Deportivo