Real Madrid vs Man City: Alvaro Arbeloa sets the tone for the showdown

17.03.26 FT Champions League

Manchester City

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Real Madrid

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Real Madrid and Manchester City are set to lock horns once again in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16. On Tuesday, Federico Valverde faced the press and delivered some strong messages.

"Every single player, from the first to the last, gives their all so that everything goes well and the fans can be proud. We're all working in the same direction, players and coaching staff alike, to make sure everything unfolds perfectly (…) This is an incredible match. Every kid dreams of being part of a night like this. We're excited, confident, and still buzzing from our last win. With the support of our fans, everything becomes so much easier. We need them. Everyone has to play their part, and I believe we can do it. We're highly motivated and can't wait. We started well until they turned things around… and ended up dominating us. We've worked hard to understand what we need to do both offensively and defensively. Right now, we're in great shape and fully focused. We have to get a good result because there's still the return leg (…) It's very different from the group stage match we lost 2-1, because this time it's over two legs. It's crucial to get a strong result for the second leg. We can't let what happened in the last match happen again, where we let the win slip due to our own mistakes. We're focused on ourselves.", said Federico Valverde.

In turn, Alvaro Arbeloa shares the same view: "It's going to be a tough match, with top-class players and a great coach. We're fully aware of how important the fans' support is, we're aiming for victory and we are extremely motivated. We're really looking forward to this game (…) It's inspiring to be part of a Champions League round of 16, to experience a night like tomorrow. It's hugely motivating. It's going to be a fantastic experience. I can't wait to be there. I think we're going to give everything to win tomorrow." He'll go up against Pep Guardiola, whom he greatly respects. Guardiola: "He always has a surprise up his sleeve, and you have to anticipate the changes he might make. Which players he could move around… and I'd be surprised not to see some changes tomorrow. You always have to be ready when facing a coach like Pep."

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.

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