Silva: ‘Kings’ Real Madrid will be out for revenge v Man City

Bernardo Silva has said he is expecting to face a different Real Madrid side on Wednesday, to the one which Manchester City eliminated from the Champions League last season.

The Blues memorably beat Madrid 4-0 at home in the second leg of last season’s semi-final, a year on from the famous collapse at Bernabeu at the same stage of competition. Ahead of the third instalment of what is quickly becoming a enthralling rivalry, Silva said Wednesday’s match will not be a repeat of last season’s mauling.

“It is a different team because they changed the way they play. Last season they played more 4-3-3, now they play more 4-4-2 normally,” explained the Portugal midfielder. 

“[Karim] Benzema comes out and [Jude] Bellingham can play as a false nine but also gets into the box. Rodrygo is a great player, he is playing really well. We have had players who have left the club and have come in.

“I am sure their pride was damaged by what happened last season,” he added. “We want to go in strongly. Last week we weren't great, didn’t play perfectly and let’s see if we can correct those things to control the game better.”

The 4-0 defeat was one of Madrid’s most bruising encounters in their proud history, with Federico Valverde claiming it was the most difficult game he has ever played in. For City, it was euphoria, beating a side Silva referred to as the ‘kings’ of the competition en route to winning a maiden Champions League triumph.

“I didn’t watch the game back so I only have the feeling of what we did on the pitch two different seasons,” he said. “It never happens the same game in football again so I feel Madrid is stronger this season than last season. 

“That was my feeling when we played them at the Bernabeu [last week]. For sure they will want a bit of revenge so it will be a very difficult game tomorrow.

“[Last year] after what happened the season before, when we were knocked out by Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, we wanted to put things right and that performance was also a bit of an apology to our fans for what happened the season before.  We feel we owed them another chance to win the competition.

“Now it is a different game, different teams, we have our signings and players that left. Let’s see, but we are very confident because we play at home against the kings of the competition.

“We know it is a very dangerous team because they play very different to us,” he continued.  “Sometimes you feel you are in control and then they get in behind and score goals so it is very difficult to control Real Madrid. You have the feeling you have the game under control but you never do.”