Manchester City midfielder Rodri remains confident his team can overturn the deficit against Real Madrid when the two sides meet in the second leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie.
Speaking on Cadena SER’s Carrusel Deportivo, the Spanish international acknowledged City’s shortcomings in the first leg but insisted the team still believes a comeback is possible at the Etihad.
Rodri stressed that finishing chances will be key if City want to overturn the result.
“Absolutely (we can turn the tie
around against Real Madrid). We have to be more clinical and take a step forward in that regard, yes. I think we have everything else: the style of play, the ability to create chances… It’s true that we couldn’t do it the other day, but we have to lift the team, because we have an important match on Tuesday. Above all, the team needs to create.”
Real Madrid head into the second leg with a commanding advantage after securing a three-goal lead in the first match at the Santiago Bernabéu. Despite the difficult position, Rodri believes the tie is far from over and emphasized the importance of learning from the first leg.
“We learned many things from the first leg, but the Champions League is a two-legged affair. There’s still the second leg. We need to analyze what we did wrong, adjust it, and above all, put the ball in the net.”
City will now attempt to mount a comeback at home, while Real Madrid aim to protect their advantage and secure a place in the Champions League quarterfinals.
