Manchester City better than Real Madrid, insists Rodri

Midfielder Rodri believes Manchester City are stronger than Real Madrid – but they still need to prove it.

City will have the chance to do just that as they host the Spanish champions in the long-delayed second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie tonight.

The English side hold a 2-1 aggregate lead after a memorable victory at the Bernabeu in February but they still have to finish the job.

Rodri, who joined City from

Real’s rivals Atletico Madrid last summer, said: “I know we have a better team but we have to show we are a better team – of course – on the pitch, with good behaviour and personality.

“That is just a general opinion of mine. Words are worthless if you can’t demonstrate that on the field. It is down to us to prove that.”

Despite his confidence, Rodri is well aware of the price City could pay for any slip-ups.

City may have an advantage but Real, 13-time European champions, have momentum. When the season resumed after the Covid-19 stoppage, Zinedine Zidane’s men won 10 games in succession to overtake Barcelona and win LaLiga.

“They are more than a team,” Rodri said.

“They have that way of playing that you can never relax”

Meanwhile Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane revealed that Gareth Bale had asked not to be included in the squad for the match.

Bale has become a peripheral figure at the Bernabeu after falling out of favour under Zidane. His omission from the travelling party this week fuelled speculation over his future and now Zidane has said this was the player’s choice.

Zidane said: “It was a personal conversation I had with him. He preferred not to play. The rest remains between me and him but he said he didn’t want to play.”

Former Chelsea playmaker Eden Hazard, who has endured an injury-hit season, is fit to feature after overcoming an ankle problem.

Juventus play host to Lyon in the other round of 16 tie tonight, with the French side leading 1-0 from the first leg.

Rodri is confident Man City can secure last eight place.