Cristiano Ronaldo has insisted that Real Madrid “controlled” the second leg of their Champions League semi-final against Manchester City on Wednesday night.
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Brazilian midfielder Fernando deflected Gareth Bale’s cross into his own net after 20 minutes at the Santiago Bernabeu for the only goal of the tie after the first leg ended goalless. “We tried to do it in Manchester but we did not have a great day, tomorrow we will try to press and attack the ball from the very first moment”.
“It was a tough game, but I think we played better than City”, he remarked. “We had problems creating, same as Real Madrid”.
Real will be hoping the 31-year-old will be at his best on his return to the team – he has missed their past three matches due to a minor injury – as they bid to reach the final.
The former Tottenham player said: “The reason I came here was to win Champions Leagues”.
“No matter who we play in the final we know it is going to be very hard. We will try to repay their faith in us on the pitch with a performance that will make them leave the stadium happy”.
When the two met in the 2014 final, Real secured La Decima – their 10th European Cup triumph – thanks to a 4-1 win after extra time.
We feel a very bitter taste. “We had problems creating”. “Some like it more, some like it less, but I have no doubt that I’m already in the history of football”.
The 2015-16 Champions League final is set, and it’ll be a delightful rematch of the 2013 final.
Real Madrid had further pressure, but always found Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart in good form. We didn’t deserve to lose because both teams were very similar.
However, Pellegrini claimed that Real Madrid were fortunate to reach their 14th final thanks to an own goal and said that his men restricted Real Madrid to few chances.
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City had made a bright start but their early momentum was halted in its tracks as captain and centre back Vincent Kompany was forced off with a muscle injury after nine minutes, handing the initiative to the hosts, who quickly went on the offensive.
