Two Manchester City players will debut on the stage they seem made for against Real Madrid | OneFootball

Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi have had a profound impact on Manchester City since signing for the club from Bournemouth and Crystal Palace during last month’s transfer window. Semenyo has added another consistent goal threat to this City squad and has already scored seven goals in thirteen appearances. Marc Guehi has added invaluable leadership, quality in possession, and elite defensive ability to Pep Guardiola’s squad. Despite their success in the Premier League, Guehi and Semenyo are yet to play in the Champions League. They will make their Champions League debuts tonight against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. It is a stage that both players seem made to thrive in.

Pep Guardiola believes it is a good first step for Manchester City for Guehi and Semenyo to finally debut in the Champions League.

Speaking yesterday, ahead of Manchester City’s UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg match against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, Pep Guardiola was asked about Guehi and Semenyo making their Champions League debuts against Real Madrid. The Manchester City manager said that it is an important step in both careers to finally play in Europe’s elite club competition. He added that Manchester City will benefit from both Guehi and Semenyo learning what it is like to play in such high-pressure scenarios as playing Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. Guardiola explained: “As quick as they start to live these kind of situations, the better it will be for the future of this club.”

Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi seem made for the biggest stage.

Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo arrived at Manchester City in the prime of their careers. Both players had made their way in the Premier League with Crystal Palace and Bournemouth, more than earning their moves to City. They have both firmly established themselves as proven Premier League performers and top players in their own right. Neither player is yet to play in the Champions League. It would seem likely that Semenyo and Guehi will both start against Real Madrid tonight. There is little to suggest that either player isn’t capable, nor ready to thrive on club football’s biggest stage.

Guehi and Semenyo have quickly adjusted to the step up required to play for Manchester City. Both players are now contending with and learning a new challenge of playing in a Pep Guardiola side. That comes with a set of challenges that neither player would have faced at Crystal Palace or Bournemouth. Playing in high-stakes matches in all competitions, where so much rides on every result, is new to Guehi and Semenyo. Both players have quickly adapted to this challenge. Playing in the Champions League against Real Madrid is another challenge for Semenyo and Guehi to adjust to. They both have the talent and temperament to quickly handle the step up that the Champions League provides. It wouldn’t come as a major surprise to see both players play key roles at the Bernabeu tonight, given what they’ve already shown at Manchester City.

Final thoughts.

Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo will make their Champions League debuts tonight against Real Madrid, provided they are both selected to start. Should that occur, it will be a special moment for both players given the path they have taken to have the opportunity to play in the Champions League. Semenyo and Guehi seem made for playing in such big games, so how they fare tonight will be well worth watching at the Bernabeu.