The defender of Manchester City, Ruben Dias, remains optimistic about his team’s chances of winning silverware, even though he describes himself the “most difficult” season.
Pep Guardiola’s squad will take over on Tuesday in the first leg of her play-off of her champion League-Play-Off against the reigning master, Real Madrid.
After City had taken the 22nd place in the group phase, a setback that you now want to overcome against the current owners.
A victory over the two legs would secure a place in the last 16, in which they would either compete on Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen.
However, City also bumped into difficulties in its domestic campaign, which is currently occupied in fifth place in the Premier League and left Liverpool with 15 points.
“This was the most difficult season since I was here, but I am firmly convinced that even in the most difficult moments you can still achieve something beautiful,” said Dias.
“I didn’t think about a second about whether it was disrespectful”
Ruben slides only concentrated on Rodri when he won the balloon d’Or#Bbbcfootball pic.twitter.com/ouyvtmgc5t
– BBC Sport (@bbcsport) February 10, 2025
“We know how difficult it will be to get through, but we have a lot of weapons in the changing room. We just have to use them correctly. “
This is the fourth season in a row -and the fifth in six years -that City and Madrid have teamed up in the Knockout rounds of the Champions League.
The Spanish giants secured victory by penalties in the quarter -finals last season before demanding their 15th European title under Carlo Ancelotti.
Since both teams won two encounters in previous meetings, Guardiola has described their rivalry as one of the most important in the Modern Champions League era.
This upcoming match also takes place after controversy when Madrid’s player boycotted the Ballon D’Or ceremony in protest after Rodri the title of the world’s best player about Vinicius Jr.
According to reports, City Madrid’s absence saw as a sign of disrespect, but the slides that was present in Paris alongside Rodri played down all the effects of the incident.
“Since I was honest with you, I didn’t spend a second to think about it,” added the Portuguese defender.
“I was happy for Rodri. Vinicius had an extraordinary year and deserves it. It is like in the past when (Lionel) Messi and Cristiano (Ronaldo) fought for it. “
