Antoine Semenyo has warned that Real Madrid are ruthless when given opportunities, as Manchester City F.C. prepare for a crucial second-leg showdown in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.
City head into the decisive fixture at the Etihad Stadium trailing by three goals on aggregate, leaving the English champions with a major task if they are to overturn the deficit and keep their European campaign alive.
Speaking to CGTN Sports after the first leg, Semenyo acknowledged the quality and efficiency that have long defined the Spanish giants.
“They’re a good team, if you give them a chance, they’ll take it,” Semenyo said. “We’ll go back to the drawing board, do what we need to do, and hopefully on Tuesday we can change it all.”
Real Madrid capitalised on defensive lapses in the first encounter, putting themselves in a strong position heading into the return leg. Their clinical finishing has once again highlighted why the club remains one of the most formidable sides in European football.
Despite the difficult situation, Semenyo insisted the tie is not over and believes City can still produce a response in front of their home supporters.
According to the forward, the team will carefully review their performance from the first leg, correct mistakes and attempt to approach the second match with renewed focus and intensity.
“We’ll go back to the drawing board,” he reiterated, stressing the squad’s determination to learn from the defeat and fight for a different outcome.
The return leg at the Etihad now carries enormous significance, with Manchester City needing a major comeback to overturn the deficit against the record European champions and secure a place in the quarter-finals.