Man City are better placed to win Champions League than ever before

Ahead of Tuesday's Champions League semi-final clash with Real Madrid, Manchester City are in unchartered territory.

Of course, broadly speaking that isn't true; this is the second season in a row - the third overall - that City have reached the last four of Europe's premier club competition. Last season they expertly navigated the challenge of Paris Saint-Germain without ever really looking like they were in trouble.

This year they face the 13-time winners of the competition, but despite facing such a formidable opponent, there is a quiet confidence that City should progress to the final. That's never been the case before - not even last year - but it's not because of City's attacking prowess or majestic talents.

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City qualified for the semi-finals in the most un-City way imaginable. After 135 minutes of patiently trying to break down Atletico Madrid over two legs, the Spaniards launched a ferocious attack that forced Pep Guardiola's side to abandon their usual game.

Instead of free-flowing attack City were defending with their backs against the wall, repelling wave after wave of attack as the frenzied home crowd breathed life into their team. City even resorted to adopting Atletico's own gamesmanship tactics; wasting time and winding Atletico up until their lost their cool.

In short, City suffered but came through the other side. That is something that this team, whether under Roberto Mancini, Manuel Pellegrini or Pep Guardiola, has not been able to do in Europe before.

"Teams play, they are good teams, and we have to suffer sometimes," City's holding midfielder Rodri said of the challenge overcome by his side.

"You cannot expect to