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Exclusive: Real Madrid star Federico Valverde wary of Manchester City threat - 'I wished I never had to face them again'

ByRhys Jones

Updated 19/02/2025 at 09:35 GMT

Federico Valverde knows the proven quality that Manchester City have as Real Madrid prepare to host the Premier League champions at the Santiago Bernabeu in the second leg of their Champions League tie. The Uruguayan admitted he hoped he "never had to face Man City again" after previous matches. Madrid stunned Pep Guardiola's side in the first leg with two late goals to snatch a 3-2 win.

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Ahead of their second leg against Manchester City, Real Madrid's Federico Valverde admitted he hoped to never face the Premier League champions again after previous dealings.

Madrid came from behind to snatch a 3-2 win at the Etihad Stadium in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League bout, stunning Pep Guardiola's side with two late goals to take control of the tie.

City head to the Santiago Bernabeu for Wednesday's tie and while Madrid are considered strong favourites to make it through, Valverde is all too wary of the quality that the Mancunians possess.

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"I have faced City many times," the Uruguayan told TNT Sports. "They are among the opponents I have struggled the most against in my lifetime.

"Many times I wished that I never had to face them again, and to never be drawn against them again in the knock-out rounds, because they are strong, they play very well, they are a very attacking side."

"Our team right now is working way harder than ever before. No matter how many titles we may have won in the past. The team is working well, I think we are all on the same page.

"To be honest, from all the times I've played in Manchester I think this was among the ones where I felt the most comfortable. The team looked much better. On previous matchups it is true that we struggled more, we couldn’t even get the ball past the halfway line."

Last year's quarter-finals threw up the same match-up, with Madrid coming out on top on penalties in the second leg.

A 3-3 draw in the first leg of that tie saw Valverde score the equalising goal that gave Madrid the chance they needed to clinch a win away at Etihad.

It was the type of win that this Madrid side have become notorious for under Carlo Ancelotti, pulling out victories against the run of play and often in the latter stages of matches.

"At the end of the day it is just like last year, where we were the ones who had to absolutely go for it in England, we had to fight to get through and they will do the same this year," Valverde added.

"But as I always say, I will try to focus on what is ahead of us, on my club, on my teammates, and of course, I will be able to sleep at night, knowing we are eleven to fifteen players ready to give it all."

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While the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham are the media darlings catching the headlines, Valverde has played in every single game for the Spaniards this season, serving as the linchpin that supports the entire team.

Recently, as he has done so before, he has transitioned to right-back and played there in the first leg in Manchester, where he delivered a standout performance.

It is likely he will play there again on Wednesday, but where he plays on the pitch matters little to Valverde.

"It has been good, as I have always said, it is an honour to be a part of this club, and to keep playing matches. It is true that there are still positions I do not know that well, but I try to learn them, I try to help the team. I try to do my part wherever it is needed.

"As of now, playing right back is something I am enjoying a lot. I think I may be doing things right, according to the manager, so that gives me a clear conscience."

When is Real Madrid v Man City?

Madrid host City at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday, February 19.

Kick-off is at 20:00 UK time on TNT Sports 1, with live coverage beginning at 19:00.

How to watch Real Madrid v Man City?

TNT Sports is available across all major TV platforms, offering a line-up of up to four TV channels (TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports 2, TNT Sports 3, TNT Sports 4), and up to six digital or red-button channels (TNT Sports 5 to 10), and TNT Sports Ultimate plus TNT Sports Box Office HD.

Madrid host City at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday, February 19.

Kick-off is at 20:00 UK time on TNT Sports 1, with live coverage beginning at 19:00.

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