We are not here for revenge – Pep Guardiola before Champions League semifinal against Real Madrid

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said that there are not looking to take revenge against Real Madrid before their semifinal meeting of the UEFA Champions League at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday night.

In the 2022 semifinal of the Champions League, Los Blancos stunned the Cityzens at the fag end of the second leg. City were leading by 5-3 (aggregate) but Rodrygo’s brace and Karim Benzema’s penalty in the stoppage time had shattered City’s hopes of going all the way in the contest.

The City manager said as quoted by Sky Sports: “It was tough but we made an exceptional first game in Manchester and played a really good game here.

“In general it was a good performance but it was not enough. You congratulate them and accept it and now one year later we are here.

“We are not here for revenge. It is another opportunity. One day we will get it. We will get to the final and win it.

“It didn’t happen last season as we played Real Madrid and in this competition they know exactly what they have to do.”

On the other hand, Real Madrid is the most successful team in the history of Champions League, having won the prestigious Europe title on 14 occasions. In fact, City has won six Premier League titles in the 12 years but the coveted Champions League crown is still missing in their glittering cabinet.

Guardiola said: “Seven years ago we wanted to win the Champions League. Last season it was [like] the end of the world but here we are again.

“Being stable is the most important thing. The important thing is we are trying to get better every year.

The Spaniard wants his team to make the most of the home conditions at the Etihad Stadium in the second leg of the semifinal.

“We were prepared last year too. We are the same manager, mainly the same players but completely different games.

“The difference is the second leg is at home and everything will be decided in Manchester.”