Bernardo Silva has admitted that he is hoping one of his Manchester City teammates has a “good day” against Real Madrid.
Bernardo’s claim applies to each and every one of his teammates, regardless of whether or not they start during the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final.
Manchester City know better than most that a game against Real Madrid is not won until the referee blows the final whistle.
Especially in the Champions League, as it seems the Spanish giants’ history in the competition gives them a mental edge over the rest.
As a result, Los Blancos find it second nature in comparison to other teams in Europe to stage epic comebacks.
For instance, when Sergio Ramos headed in the last-gasp equaliser in their 4-1 victory against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League final in 2014.
Bernardo Silva hopes City star is at his best against Real Madrid
It would be a sign of complacency if even any of the City players think for a moment that because they beat Real Madrid 4-0 at the Etihad Stadium last season, the same will occur on Wednesday.
Pep Guardiola described the chances of such a result repeating itself as “almost impossible” recently.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side are an outstanding team, who have an ingredient in their team that is perfect for Champions League football — individual brilliance.
The Sky Blues also have this quality in abundance.
As a result, the upcoming clash might come down to which out of the two teams’ world-class players exhibit their genius the most.
That is the question that will be answered in Manchester.
Manchester City maestro Bernardo Silva is hoping that Kevin De Bruyne shows how devastating he can be against Real Madrid.
“When Kevin [De Bruyne] is present, everything is different because he is one of the best players of our generation. We cannot deny we are not better with Kevin. It is a big boost for us to have him back.”
“A big boost for the team that we have him back, and hopefully he’s on a good day because when he’s on a good day, it’s difficult to stop him”, he said during the press conference ahead of the blockbuster battle [via the club’s official website] about the £54.5 million man.
Both Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne must be at their best
In our view, both Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne must be at their best to steer Manchester City to victory against Real Madrid.
The pair are expected to start in midfield against Los Merengues.
As a result, both Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne will have the task of dominating the best part of this Real Madrid team for Manchester City: their midfield.
The likes of Jude Bellingham, Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Eduardo Camavinga are all tremendous players, who could be threats in the much-awaited game.
To both stop them from doing what they do best and find space behind the quartet to hurt the visitors will be key.
That is where Manchester City fans will look to Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne to step up against Real Madrid.