Fernandinho comments on Real Madrid vs Man City return promise another Champions League classic

Fernandinho says Manchester City will go to the Bernabeu next week seeking to “hurt” Real Madrid rather than defend their first-leg lead. And that is good news for the neutrals - and fans of both sides - who were thrilled by last night’s 4-3 Blues victory, which was a Champions League classic.

City hold that slender lead despite having a two-goal cushion on three occasions, only to be pegged back. But in a season when the away goals rule was abolished, conceding three times does not carry the same consequence as it did in 2019, when City beat Spurs by the same scoreline but went out after losing 1-0 at White Hart Lane - that scenario in the Bernabeu would send the game to extra time.

With Real proving their defence is vulnerable and realising attack is their only true strength, and with City only knowing one way to go about the task - to dominate the ball and push for goals - that second leg could be equally thrilling. Fernandinho, who had a fine game as a stand-in right back after replacing the injured John Stones, says there are lessons to be learned from the game but City will go to Madrid without fear.

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“It was important for us to get the result,” he said. “We're disappointed to concede three goals but it was important for us to win that game because they are a top team, they have top players and the victory today will give us confidence for the game over there in Madrid.

“As always, when we win we celebrate and then focus on the next game in the Premier League. Then on Sunday we'll be back thinking about Madrid again.”

City won 2-1 the last time they went to the Bernabeu, two years ago, but old warhorse Fernandinho says that game has little bearing on next week’s clash: