Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola crowns Real Madrid as ‘kings of competition’ after spicy Champions League quarter-final draw

Man City boss Pep Guardiola knows who the kings of the UCL are - Real Madrid!

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola crowns Real Madrid as ‘kings of competition’ after spicy Champions League quarter-final draw

Pep Guardiola's men were shocked by late goals from Karim Benzema and Rodrygo in 2022 (Via X/@goal & Sky Sports)

The UEFA Champions League has entered it’s business end, and that only means one thing – exhilarating clashes! The Premier club competition in Europe has entered its final stretch as the quarter-final draw concluded on Friday. Reigning champions Manchester City will have a mountain to climb this year if they are to lift the title. The Cityzens have been drawn against the greatest club in the competition – Real Madrid!

While the draw got mixed reactions on social media, fans can rest assured that some of the best football will be on display come 9th April. Pep Guardiola is aiming for a historic fourth title while Carlo Ancelotti can become the only manager to win five UEFA Champions League titles! Ahead of the game, Guardiola has named Real Madrid as the team to beat in the competition.

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His high words of praise come at a time when the previous meetings between the two sides have given rise to nail-biting finishes and unbelievable turnarounds.

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It's like a tradition. Three years in a row playing the kings of the competition who have won 14 Champions Leagues. Hopefully, we can have a good moment. There are a few weeks before the first game. We'll see".
Pep Guardiola speaking at a press conference

The reigning champions make the daunting journey to the Santiago Bernabeu on the ninth of April before hosting Real Madrid at the Etihad on the 17th.

Pep Guardiola weary of Real Madrid star ahead of Champions League clash

Manchester City have overcome the Spanish giants in two out of their last three meetings. Barring one of the most iconic comeback victories in the competition, Pep Guardiola’s side have fared quite well against the Los Blancos. However, Manchester City will have to deal with a new face in Jude Bellingham when the two sides meet on April 9.

Pep Guardiola & Jude Bellingham
Pep Guardiola believes that Jude Bellingham has to be contained if he is to lift the UCL for a fourth time (Via X/@eurofootcom & MadridHQ)

Even though City got the better of Bellingham in 2022, the Englishman has been a transformed footballer at Madrid. From banging in crucial goals for his side to quickly becoming a fan favorite, Bellingham has become quite the star. His ability to get on the end of passes and ease of making the game tick has warranted high praise from Guardiola himself.

Guardiola said that the impact of Bellingham on the team is enormous and that his influence is obvious. He added that Madrid are an entirely different side as to what they were last year, and much of the credit goes to Bellingham and the fellow players brought alongside him to the team. He also said that his men will look to ‘control’ his engagement in the game. Bellingham is currently on 20 goals in all competitions, and it should be no surprise if he adds to his tally against City.

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