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We are Facing the kings of the competition – Guardiola on Real Madrid draw

Guardiola Acknowledges Real Madrid’s Champions League Pedigree

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola recognizes the daunting task ahead after being drawn against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinals.

He acknowledges Real Madrid’s dominance in the competition, calling them the “kings” with their record 14 titles.

This upcoming clash carries echoes of the past two seasons.

City emerged victorious with a 5-1 aggregate win in the 2022/23 semifinals, but a year prior, they suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the Bernabeu after leading 5-3 on aggregate before conceding three late goals and crashing out.

Despite the history, Guardiola remains focused on the future. “It’s a tradition now, three years in a row facing the Champions League kings,” he said.

“We’ll see what happens. Hopefully, we can be ready when the first leg arrives in Madrid.”