Man City’s Bernardo Silva: ‘Real Madrid are the king of Europe’ | OneFootball

Manchester City travel to the Santiago Bernabeu, and while many expect tension to build ahead of another Champions League classic, Bernardo Silva remains completely unfazed. 

The Portuguese midfielder spoke with a sense of calmness, insisting that this heavyweight fixture feels familiar rather than frightening. 

“It’s just a football match; just another game. We’re going to try to be our best.” 

He then acknowledged the uniqueness of the venue but stressed that the two teams meet so often that the aura feels almost routine, saying, 

“We know how special this stadium is, although I’m more used to it because we play each other every year. It’s practically a Clásico now. It’ll be a fun match.”

A Real Madrid without Mbappe

Silva also went on to praise his team’s progress this season and addressed the possible absence of Kylian Mbappe, refusing to portray it as any sort of advantage.

“Mbappe is very special, and if Real Madrid has him, it will be better for them; but if not, Vinicius, Rodrygo… they have very good players. 

“Regardless of who plays, it will be difficult. We know his character. How tough this stadium is.”

When asked about Madrid’s evolution this season, Silva admitted he has not followed them closely, but he highlighted what City observed in recent analysis sessions. 

He noted the tactical unpredictability of Madrid and said, “To be honest, I haven’t seen many Real Madrid matches this season. What I do know is based on what we’ve seen this week. 

“More pressure, man-to-man marking. Things I don’t know if they’ll do tomorrow. 

“But I do know, from experience, that coming to this stadium is always difficult. And that it will be a thrilling match.”

Facing Madrid at Bernabeu

Bernardo Silva has played a quite a lot against Man City. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Silva also reflected on what it means for younger Manchester City players to step into the Bernabeu atmosphere. 

Offering perspective drawn from experience, he remarked, “It’s Real Madrid, the king of Europe. But going to Anfield is also tough. So the youngsters are used to hard nights. 

“We’re ready to give it our all and get the three points. If it were a semi-final, maybe I’d give a different answer, but it’s the league phase and we want the three points. It’s that simple.”

Finally, Silva addressed whether this is an ideal moment to face Real Madrid given their current dip in form. However, he immediately shut down the notion. 

Drawing on multiple past encounters, he said, “I don’t have an answer for that because, in my experience, it’s never easy to come here and play against Real Madrid. 

“Since I arrived at City, I’ve played against them five or six times and it’s always been difficult. 

“Especially in this competition, the team’s form doesn’t matter much. Because these players, when the game is big, raise their level. 

“I expect a great Real Madrid, and I know from personal experience how difficult it is to play here.”

As for the idea of revenge for previous defeats, Silva dismissed it entirely. 

“I’ve played against Real Madrid many times, I’ve won some and lost others. But ‘revenge’ isn’t a word I like to use. 

“This match is a good test for us and we want to be well prepared, because it’s a very important and exciting challenge,” he concluded.

Source: AS