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Foden backs Man City to overcome Real Madrid in UCL semi-final rematch

Manchester City take on Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Tuesday (9 May), in a rematch of their meeting at the same stage of last year's competition.

Phil Foden says City have a “strong” chance of prevailing this time and reaching the showpiece final in Istanbul.

The England forward also reflected on the disappointment City suffered at the Santiago Bernabeu a year ago, when Real won 3-1, completing a 6-5 aggregate win and advanced to the final, where they beat Liverpool to secure a 14th continental title.

"Even though we lost, I love (Real) Madrid away — the atmosphere and to play in a special stadium like that. I enjoyed every moment and obviously, the game didn't go how we wanted it to. But just the experience of playing in that stadium was so good."

Spanish midfielder Rodri was an unused substitute when City reached their only Champions League final to date, in 2020-21.

That proved to be another disappointing night as they lost 1-0 to Chelsea at the Estadio do Dragao in Porto, but Rodri remains optimistic that glory will come City's way eventually.

Speaking about the semi-final rematch against Real Madrid, "It's always open. I mean, chances are always there. We must focus on ourselves, go step by step, and don't think much about the future. But of course, we need to perform well if we want to achieve (win) the Champions League."