Fernandinho: City have opportunity to make history tonight | OneFootball

City legend Fernandinho says the current squad have the chance to make history against Real Madrid this evening, but first they must play with belief.

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We host the Spanish side at the Etihad Stadium in a 20:00 (UK) kick-off, seeking to overturn a 3-0 deficit from the first leg of our Round of 16 tie.

And Fernandinho, who won 12 trophies in nine years in Manchester, is no stranger to the never-say-die attitude that has typified City for much of our existence.

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A warrior on the pitch, the central midfielder became Pep Guardiola’s club captain in 2020 and held the role for two seasons as we lifted back-to-back Premier League titles and reached the Champions League final in 2021.

While acknowledging the difficulty of the assignment if we’re to progress to the quarter-finals, the Brazilian has called on everyone associated with the Club to go into tonight with faith.

“City can do it,” he began.

“Obviously it’s a tough task after last week, but the most important thing is to believe. You have to believe from the first moment until the end.

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“Sometimes someone is going to take some wrong decisions but we have to focus on the next action and keep going.

“This is what playing for City is about and the players have the opportunity to make history tonight.

“Physically it is difficult but that mentality to keep going, never give up and try to push everyone on the pitch means we will believe until the end.

“Most of the comebacks that I was a part of, the principle thing was to believe and we have to do that tonight.”

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Few are better placed than Fernandinho to understand the importance of the Etihad crowd in driving the team on.

He played 173 times in total at our home, with his final appearance being the momentous 3-2 comeback win over Aston Villa to win the 2021/22 Premier League title on the final day of the season.

Speaking from experience, he insists the crowd can have a very real impact on the way the team play.

“It’s so important to have the stands playing with the team and create a good atmosphere,” he said.

“It makes the opponent understand they are not going to have an easy life and I think together we can make it.”

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City have refreshed much of the squad since Fernandinho’s departure in 2022, but several players from his time remain central to Guardiola’s plans – not least midfielders Bernardo Silva and Rodri.

Speaking yesterday, Bernardo – now club captain – stated clearly that City will fight until the end.

And Fernandinho backed him up, saying Bernardo and Rodri, amongst others, will do everything they can to drive the rest of the side on.

“They understand the importance of the game and putting on a performance against one of the best teams in the world,” he said.

“They’ve got the experience, they’ve been on this stage before and they’re going to be such an important part of the team to guide the young guys, push them on.

“I never like to say to motivate them, but to give them some extra energy to keep going.”