Ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League playoff clash against Real Madrid, Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has called on his teammates to stay composed.

The Citizens will host the holders at the Etihad, days after narrowly beating Leyton Orient to reach the FA Cup fifth round.

Speaking with the club’s website, De Bruyne stated that playing against Real Madrid will be a difficult challenge.

“I have played against Madrid in basically every round from the second to the semi-final in the last 10 years. We know why we play these games – because we didn’t do well enough before. That is it. At this level, it’s always (about) small margins.

“We know it’s a big game, the quality is there for both teams. It’s a two-legged tie so you don’t have to go crazy.”

He added: “Yes, but I have been here for 10 years so I probably played longer than a lot of players! Like Leyton Orient, I always try to respect the opponent, try to do my job. It doesn’t matter who we play. We just needed to take the game honestly.”


https://www.completesports.com/ucl-playoff-man-city-must-stay-focused-against-real-madrid-de-bruyne/