‘Pep knows what he has to do’ – Barcelona VP on Real Madrid vs Manchester City | OneFootball

Real Madrid prepare for another seismic Champions League showdown – the kind of matchup that defines the identity of the club and separates contenders from royalty. 

Drawn against Manchester City, Los Blancos once again find themselves in the position they know best.

While Barcelona direct their attention toward a must-win clash against Eintracht Frankfurt just to stay alive in race for direct qualification, Real Madrid step onto the biggest stage of them all, facing Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. 

Rooting for City… obviously

And if there was ever a sign of Madrid’s unmatched stature, it came subtly from Barcelona themselves.

Asked about Madrid facing City, Barça vice president Rafa Yuste offered a straightforward comment.

“Real Madrid vs City? Pep Guardiola knows what he has to do. I never rejoice in anyone’s crisis.” he told El Chiringuito TV, referring to Real Madrid’s recent dip in form.

Xabi Alonso’s tenure as Real Madrid boss has not gone as planned. After a strong start to the season, the Spaniard is facing one of the toughest spells.

Xabi Alonso is under extreme pressure at the moment. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

To put things in perspective, the Los Blancos have won just two of their last seven matches, losing twice and drawing thrice.

This has understandably put Alonso under the spotlight and as reported before, the upcoming European tie against Man City could be the final roll of the dice for the former Bayer Leverkusen boss.

Barcelona, meanwhile, must focus on a completely different kind of problem – surviving a must-win match just to avoid playing extra matches in the Champions League. 

So while Barça brace for Frankfurt and talk about mental pressure, Madrid prepare for Manchester City with the understanding that champions do not choose their opponents. 

And if Pep “knows what he has to do”, as Yuste suggests, then Real Madrid know even better what nights like these demand.

The Champions League has always been the competition of Real Madrid and now, once again, it asks them to prove it.