)
Rodri is convinced the team from the blue side of Manchester have learned what it takes to ensure a different outcome – despite the formidable threat posed by Real.
A year ago, Manchester City were minutes away from beating Real to book their place in the final against Liverpool, but Carlo Ancelotti's side scored twice in the 90th and 91st minutes to force extra time.
The double seemingly deflated Pep Guardiola's charges and Karim Benzema won and converted a penalty to send Real through to the final.
The Spanish giants went on to defeat another English side, Liverpool, in the final to lift their 14th Champions League title.
But now City have another chance to have a go at Madrid -at the same level of the competition and with talk of winning a treble ripe in Manchester.
Rodri is convinced the team from the blue side of Manchester have learned what it takes to ensure a different outcome – despite the formidable threat posed by Real.
)
20:24 - 08.05.2023
Guardiola heaps praise on Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior ahead of Champions League clash
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has hailed the Madrid winger Vinicius Junior for his tremendous performance this season.
The City midfielder termed Madrid the "Kings of the Champions League" in his pre-match press conference.
"We respect them," said Rodri. "They are the Kings of this competition, but we have weapons, and our opponent knows that.
"We know there is a second leg, and nothing will be decided tomorrow, so we trust 100 per cent that we'll be able to qualify.
"We tried to learn from the experience. It's those experiences that bring us here and allow us to dream and fight against the biggest team in the competition."
City missed out on the Champions League but were able to do what Madrid did to them -in a 3-2 win over Aston Villa on the final day of the Premier League season to clinch the title ahead of Liverpool.
"We scored three times in seven minutes. So sometimes it cannot be explained what happens in football."
Guardiola went through last season with no focal point upfront but has since added Erling Haaland to the City ranks.
The striker has already scored 51 goals this season and will undoubtedly give the holders a lot to think about going into the tie.
"Of course, for us, he's such an important player," Rodri said of the Norwegian.
"Since the beginning, we never doubted his capability to score goals, and he fits so well into the team."
City's hunt for the Champions League will obviously face another stern test. It remains the only trophy that has eluded the club since becoming a dominant force in English football over a decade ago.
UEFA Champions League
Tuesday fixture
Real Madrid vs. Manchester City -10pm
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)