Rodri admits Man City worries about facing Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema

Rodri admitted Manchester City must be aware of in-form Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema in the Champions League semi-final on Tuesday.

City are looking to establish a first-leg lead this week when they have home advantage, but must be wary of Benzema, who has played a pivotal role in helping Real through the last two rounds, prompting calls for him to be considered for this year's Balon d'Or.

And Spanish midfielder Rodri says Benzema is at the top of his game, and improving the whole Real team in the process. "He is in the best moment of his career. He understands every part of the game and is scoring goals, important goals," said Rodri.

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"I would say f***ing hell, this guy is amazing in every game and he not only scores goals but makes his team feel comfortable with the ball and as [Carlo] Ancelotti says he is the modern striker in football so we have to be aware of him and all of Real Madrid.

"I played against him for a few years and he is a great player but not only him, in terms of quality they always have that."

Rodri also addressed City's fitness and injury issues after a demanding schedule of late, especially considering Real Madrid's easier build-up to the semi-final.

"We have done a great season so far and now we want to think about the way Real Madrid play," he explained.

"When you play teams from another country it is always different so we have to work on it in these days. Rest is important because these dates are so demanding. Between now and the end of the season all the players have to participate because there are too many games.

"I rested in the FA Cup, some players rested in this game but the good point is players like Gabriel