Real Madrid: Vinicius Jr and Thibaut Courtois call on fans ahead of Man City clash

Two Real Madrid superstars, Vinicius Jr and Thibaut Courtois, have delivered a powerful message to fans ahead of next Wednesday's blockbuster showdown against Manchester City.

On Wednesday, Real Madrid will face Manchester City in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16. On paper, this is shaping up to be a very tough test for Los Merengues, who seem to be a step behind collectively—having already fallen to the Sky Blues earlier this season in the group stage (1-2).

At the Bernabéu, anything is possible. Vinicius Jr made it clear he's expecting an electric atmosphere. "We need to be at our very best in the round of 16 against a very tough opponent. But playing at home, in front of our fans, with everyone's support—which we really need in a season where we've had some tough games—we have to show our best version," he declared, as quoted by Real France.

Thibaut Courtois echoed those sentiments: "We need a team playing with huge intensity and total focus. It's vital to win this match, and we need the fans right behind us from the first minute, just like they were against Benfica. It could be a magical night at the Bernabéu. It's crucial that both the players and the supporters are at 200%, and I'm sure we'll win."

He added: "We had ten players out, but we showed that everyone fights for the team—including the young academy players who came on, and I congratulate them."

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.