The former Sky Blues striker believes the English champions can now look all their European rivals in the eye.
Carlos Tevez affirms before the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2021-22, that “today, it is rather Real Madrid who must be worried”, at the idea of challenging City.
That wasn’t always the case at the start of Sheikh Mansour’s era at the Etihad Stadium, as it took some time for investment to be on par with the continental elite. However, City are now one of the best clubs on the circuit and Tevez believes that the team led by Pep Guardiola, who eliminated Atlético de Madrid in the quarter-finals, will have no fears as they approach this double confrontation against the heavyweights of La Liga.
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In 2012, Tevez was lined up with City against Real in the Champions League group stage and nearly saw the Eastlands win at the Santiago Bernabeu, but goals from Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo meant the hosts to win 3-2.
The Argentine told City’s official website as the two teams prepare to meet again a decade later: “Today is completely different. Today it’s Real Madrid who have to worry about facing City. That’s the advantage City have now. Opponents today have to look at what City are capable of doing. With the players we have now and the infrastructure City have built over the years. years, we can fight as equals with any team in Europe.”
City are due to host Real on Tuesday, with the second leg in the Spanish capital on May 4. The winner will face Liverpool or Villarreal in the 2022 Champions League final. Tevez acknowledges that it is still difficult to make any predictions for this confrontation.
“It will be 50/50. I am very happy to see City in this position, fighting against the biggest teams in Europe. It hasn’t been possible to win the Champions League yet, but I think the most important thing is that after ten years City are playing as equals against teams like Real Madrid and like in the last game against Atlético,” he concluded.