Jack Grealish is confident of reaching the Champions League final after Manchester City fought back to hold Real Madrid in the first leg of the semifinals.
Kevin De Bruyne struck an impressive equalizer at the Bernabeu on Tuesday night as City drew from behind after an equally brilliant opener from Real’s Vinicius Junior.
The result keeps the tie in suspense ahead of next week’s second leg at the Etihad Stadium.
Kevin De Bruyne celebrates his equalizer (Nick Potts/PA)
City are looking to retaliate for losing to Real at the same stage last season and Grealish thinks the Premier League side’s home record gives them an advantage.
The England midfielder told BT Sport: “We have a new team this year, different players.
“We have learned so much since last year. Now we have the perfect balance of experience and a couple of youngsters who are just world class.
“I think we just have quality and I’ve never felt so confident going on the pitch and having these players around me.
“Inside ourselves at the Etihad, we feel unstoppable there. We came here to try to win but it shows our character to miss a goal – it’s always difficult to play in a place like this.
“In the end I think it was a fair result. They had their chances, we had a few too.”
City controlled much of the early game but Real picked up the pressure and hit them with a nice counterattack.
City manager Pep Guardiola praised his team for the way they defended themselves under heavy pressure.
Guardiola said: “It was a really close game. Congratulations to the team because this team (Real) is always so difficult for its history and also for its quality.
“We started really well and when we were better they made an incredible transition (and scored).
“When they were better than us in the second half, we scored. It’s open for Manchester, it’s going to be a final for our people and we’re looking forward to it.”
Pep Guardiola, right, hugs Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti (Nick Potts/PA)
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti was booked amid the excitement on the touchline as De Bruyne celebrated his equalizer in the 67th minute.
The story goes on
The Italian later revealed he had complained about the ball going wide in the lead up to City’s goal. He also claimed he saw evidence that he was right.
Ancelotti said: “The ball was off the pitch. Technology said so and I don’t understand why VAR didn’t verify it
“The referee didn’t pay attention to a lot of things tonight.”
Carlo Ancelotti was unperturbed by a decision ahead of City’s equalizer (Nick Potts/PA)
However, Ancelotti was satisfied with his side’s performance and the state of the game.
He said: “We have to play like this again next week. Our strategy was good, we didn’t worry when they had possession.
“Then the second half was completely different. We had the ball and created chances. We are very satisfied. “
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