Aymeric Laporte On Facing Real Madrid In UCL Semi–Finals: “We Will Try To Take Revenge”
The UEFA Champions League has not disappointed this season. The competition has delivered on every aspect that it promised, from the drama to the nail-biting action and enthralling comebacks.
Now, only four teams remain in the race for European glory. The semifinal stage of the competition is set to kick off early next week and it is clear that the world’s focus will be more fixated on one semifinal than the other.
Inter Milan and AC Milan contesting a derby in the final-four stage makes up for a special storyline. Yet, one cannot help but view the game between Manchester City and Real Madrid as a clash between the two best clubs in the world.
Earlier this week, Aymeric Laporte spoke about the opposition his side face in the Champions League next week. It was clear that the Machester City defender did not forget the painful defeat at the hands of Real Madrid last season as he said:
“In the Champions League, we face another big team in Real Madrid and we will try to get our revenge from last year.”
Pep Guardiola’s side looked to have sealed a spot in the final of the prestigious competition last year and even had a two-goal lead on aggregate heading into the 90th minute of the second leg.
Two clutch goals from Rodrygo in two minutes, however, downed the confidence of the English champions and forced extra time. Karim Benzema had the pleasure of inflicting the final blow on the night as City collapsed out of the competition.
This time, however, the Blues appear to be a rung higher in terms of quality. The addition of Erling Haaland makes them a formidable side in attack, while Kevin De Bruyne’s return from injury gives Guardiola a close-to full-strength squad.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men will thus have to play at their very best if they are to advance to the next round.
