UEFA Champions League Tradition: Real Madrid vs. Manchester City in Quarterfinals

TFD – Delve into the tradition of the UEFA Champions League as Real Madrid and Manchester City face off in the quarterfinals, reflecting on Pep Guardiola’s insights and the anticipation surrounding this renowned football clash.

After his club was drawn to play Real Madrid again in the Champions League quarterfinals of this year, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola stated that his team’s matchup with the Spanish squad is gradually becoming a bit of a tradition.

With both teams currently tied at one, City and Madrid are about to square off for the third time in as many years. Two years ago, Madrid overcame Guardiola’s team to win the UCL championship, and City paid them back the previous time.

Following the March 15 draw, Guardiola, cited by Goal.com, praised Real Madrid as the UCL kings and asserted that he had no control over the draw.

Three years in a row, playing the competition’s kings who have won 14 Champions Leagues, is almost like a tradition. As things stand as they are, maybe we may still enjoy ourselves. The first game in Madrid is still a few weeks away. We’ll see,” Guardiola remarked.

“The draw you cannot control. Normally when people say the draw is easy, you undermine the other opponents. It’s not necessary to say what Real Madrid is in this competition, the second leg is at home but two seasons ago it was away, so it is what it is. We have to do two good games there and here to go through.”

Playing in the UCL quarterfinals is nothing exceptional for Madrid: Guardiola

Real Madrid has already won the championship 14 times, so the City manager added, therefore their participation in the UCL last eight stage is nothing exceptional for them. Guardiola noted that his team’s regular success in making it to the finals of competitions is a luxury.

“I would say for [Man City] it’s a little bit new, for Real Madrid it’s not special to play the quarter-final of the UEFA Champions League,” he stated.

“We have been rather constant over the past few years, appearing frequently in the final, semifinal, and final—and now, once more, in the quarterfinal. We begin to fall into a pattern where we are in the closing rounds and the finest players in Europe play in these final moments. Real Madrid is present as well. Occasionally the draw makes the decision, and other times we’re through or out. I don’t pay much attention to any one opponent. All the opponents are really, really tough.”

“We are thrilled because it’s an honor to be here whether we’re in the quarterfinals or the final 16, every time. This tournament is unique. As I’ve mentioned numerous times, there are a lot of games in the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, and Serie A, so I’m not sure which one is the hardest. But this one [the Champions League] is unique because it takes place in Europe, and we travel everywhere to attempt to play our best football as a team, club, and organization. It’s really lovely.”