Federico Valverde sends warning to Man City and makes Real Madrid promise

Federico Valverde has warned Manchester City to prepare for another epic battle with Real Madrid at the Etihad next week.

The rival clubs meet again in Manchester next Wednesday to decide which one will progress to the Champion League semi-finals. Holders City and 14-time winners Real played out a thrilling 3-3 draw in the Bernanbeu, with Valverde - who scored a stunning late volley - warning Pep Guardiola's side they are in for a titanic tussle.

And Uruguay star Valverde reckons Real's record Champions League pedigree and history can give them the edge in the return leg. City have not lost a Champions League game at home since 2018, but Valverde said: "There’s always a first time. You always have to believe, to have conviction, us especially.

"We're an example of that, so that the fans believe. We are the first to believe it can be done. We have to work hard, every player has to give everything in every ball - and if we all pull in the same direction I think we can do it.

"It’s very even. We're two of the best in the Champions League, we’re two very good teams. They have that plus of playing at home, but we will bring the fight and try to do the best. We're going to fight, as we always do. We have lots of players who have won five Champions Leagues, so we have to make that count."

Meanwhile, Real boss Carlo Ancelotti expressed his disappointment that his side didn't do "better" with some opportunities while 2-1 ahead, but admitted they will head into next week's second leg full of confidence. Los Blancos go to the Etihad on Wednesday, April 17.

"Great match, it was an advert for football, but it was always going to be that way given the quality that was on the pitch," Ancelotti told Mediaset. "Whenever we had the chance to