Manchester City duo admit they fear Real Madrid in the Champions League | OneFootball

Real Madrid and Manchester City encounters have become quite the staple in the Champions League lately, with the two teams often meeting in the knockout stages.

This season is no exception, although the two teams will face each other a bit earlier than usual, in the league phase.

Keeping that in mind, Manchester City duo Bernardo Silva and Rodri were recently asked about the toughest opponent they have faced during their time at Etihad. And they both had only one answer.

Bernardo Silva and Rodri fear Real Madrid

Bernardo Silva was the first to respond, stating that he Liverpool are the toughest team he has faced in the Premier League. But in the Champions League, it is always Real Madrid.

“In the Premier League, it’s Liverpool with Salah, and in the Champions League, Real Madrid with Vinicius and Rodrygo,” he told Telemundo (h/t AS).

Rodri, too, had a similar answer, although the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner did not forget to mention Barcelona, when Lionel Messi was still playing for the club.

Real Madrid are the toughest UCL opponent for Rodri and Bernardo. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

“I’d say Liverpool in the Premier League, and Real Madrid in the Champions League . Also when I faced Messi’s Barça,” the midfielder said.

Interestingly, both Rodri and Silva have been linked with a move to Real Madrid at some degree over the past few years.

Rodri, in particular, was a major target for Real Madrid not too long ago, although his triumph in the 2024 Ballon d’Or gala over Vinicius has now left a sour taste in the mouth of the two parties.

Real Madrid, in fact, are expected to skip the event once again this year, despite the fact that both Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe, as well as Vinicius, have been nominated for the top prize.