Rose: Real Madrid clash is the very stuff of dreams | OneFootball

Jade Rose says the opportunity to lock horns against Real Madrid in the UEFA Women’s Champions League is the very stuff of dreams.

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The Canadian central defender and her City colleagues welcome the Spanish giants to the Joie Stadium for a huge European clash on Thursday night, kick-off 20.00 (UK).

It’s City’s second game on our return to the European stage following hard on the heels of last week’s fine 2-2 draw away at Bayern Munich in our 2026/27 UWCL opener.

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And addressing the media at Wednesday’s pre-match press conference, Rose said the chance to tackle such illustrious opposition was more than she could ever have imagined growing up as a child back in Canada.

“I think playing on the biggest stage is something I always dreamt of,” Rose said.

“Being completely honest, growing up in Canada I never really had the opportunity to watch the Champions League, especially the Women’s Champions League.

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“So it wasn’t something I necessarily grew up dreaming about.

“But once I knew it was a possibility, it was something that I definitely wanted to achieve.

“And the chance to play against such big names on the biggest stage is definitely a dream come true.”

Tomorrow’s match is followed just three days later by a huge Barclays Women’s Super League clash at the Etihad where Arsenal are the visitors.

But asked whether there was a question of seeking to balance priorities given the importance of both games, Rose insisted that all of City’s focus and energy was trained on the visit of Real.

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“It’s all about taking it one day at a time and not getting ahead of ourselves,” Rose added.

“Today training, tomorrow the match - then from there we focus on Arsenal.

“As a squad we are just taking things one day at a time.

“Getting a first three points is massive. At home we can focus on the crowd and it will be important to get those three points.”

Don’t miss our UWCL home matches!

UEFA Women’s Champions League football returns to the Joie Stadium on Thursday 1 October!

City began our European campaign with a hard-earned 2-2 draw at Bayern Munich - who made the semi-finals of last season’s competition.

It’s a positive start to our League Phase campaign, with crucial home ties against Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain to follow in the coming weeks!

First, we take on Real Madrid at the Joie Stadium on Thursday 1 October with kick-off set for 20:00 (UK).

It signals a return to Champions League football at the Joie Stadium, and another chance for City to showcase our quality on the big stage.

Then, just four weeks later, we’re back on home turf against PSG on Thursday 29 October at 20:00.

Tickets for both clashes are on sale now from just £10, so make sure you grab yours as soon as possible!

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