A year ago
The right-back for Spain believes Pep Guardiola's team did not "superior" themselves at the Bernabeu.
When Real Madrid travels to Manchester for the second leg of their Champions League semifinal next week, Dani Carvajal insists they have nothing to be afraid of.
After a thrilling stalemate in the teams' first meeting at the Bernabeu on Tuesday, the game is now precariously poised at 1-1.
With an incredible goal in the first half, Real Madrid's defending champions took the lead, but Kevin De Bruyne drew them even in the second.
genuine right back "They have world-class players, they move the ball very well, and they are tactically very well thought out," said Carvajal. "But I don't think we saw a City team that are superior to Madrid.
"The team leaves Manchester knowing that we performed well and that we have a chance of moving on if we play well and take our chances there.
"We travel there without any fear. The squad has faith in our ability to perform well there and win.
At the Bernabeu, City had the early advantage, but Real seized the lead against the odds on minute 36 when Vinicius smashed home from 25 yards.
The hosts then made an effort to interrupt City's momentum by using some crude strategies.
Carvajal in particular pushed the limits and engaged in a continuous struggle with Jack Grealish. At one point, he shoved the England midfielder into the billboards, and when Grealish reacted violently, he theatrically collapsed to the ground.
The Spain international stated, "It's a semi-final, everyone is playing their hardest, every challenge is a war."
On 67 minutes, when Real had been in control, De Bruyne struck with a ferocious drive from a similar range to Vinicius, bringing City even.
The Premier League leaders deserved at least a draw, but Real complained about the equalizer, claiming the ball may have left the field of play during the buildup.
As De Bruyne celebrates, Real manager Carlo Ancelotti was arrested for his protests.
In general, I believe the referee (Portugal's Artur Dias) was good; he handled it rather well, remarked Carvajal. Refereeing a Champions League semifinal is challenging.
Total Comments: 0