Exclusive: Real Madrid seeks to avenge last year’s defeat by Manchester City.

Antonio Rudiger, the Real Madrid defender, has spoken exclusively to TNT Sports about the upcoming UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash between Real Madrid and Manchester City. Rudiger admits that Real Madrid will be seeking revenge after their defeat to City in last year’s competition, which saw City go on to win the European Cup for the first time in their history.

The first leg of this highly anticipated rematch will take place at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday evening. Rudiger acknowledges that the result from 12 months ago, particularly the 4-0 thrashing in the second leg at the Etihad Stadium, will be on Real Madrid’s minds as they face off against City once again.

Speaking to TNT Sports, Rudiger said, “I think from both sides, there’s a lot of respect for the history because both teams are packed with amazing players and there’s the feeling of last season, of course, something which was a thrashing. We’re looking forward to this game.”

When asked about seeking revenge, Rudiger admitted, “Last year, it was tough. It was a tough moment. And so of course there’s a little bit of wanting revenge.”

Last year’s clash saw Bernardo Silva score twice for City at the Etihad, with Manuel Akanji and Julien Alvarez also finding the back of the net. Kevin De Bruyne had scored for City in Spain, following Vinicius Junior’s opener in a 1-1 draw in Madrid. Rudiger emphasizes that Real Madrid will need to keep an eye on multiple players, not just Erling Haaland, who failed to score in either leg.

“This is the thing about this stage,” Rudiger continued. “You want to compete against the best. Last year, they were the best in Europe so it’s good to compete against a lot of good players. It’s not only him (Haaland). You have to keep the people around him very quiet, which is not an easy job. You have to try to prevent them passing the ball to him so then I think you are a step closer to reach the target.”

Real Madrid, led by England star Jude Bellingham in his first season in Spain, also boast a talented group of young players including Vinicius Jr., Eduardo Camavinga, and Rodrygo. Rudiger believes that Real Madrid’s young guns are mature beyond their years and have a positive confidence that will serve them well in the match.

Real Madrid, who have had a nine-day break, are currently chasing a treble this season, having already won the Supercopa de Espana and sitting six points clear at the top of La Liga. However, it is the Champions League that the club and its supporters desire most as they aim to add to their record haul of European Cups.

Rudiger concludes by saying, “It’s clear because the people have won it 14 times already, so they’re kind of used to it. It’s something you don’t even need to speak (about). You see it here on the wall. That says everything. It’s an advantage in terms of we are rested, maybe. But in these types of games, it’s about small details. You have to get those right and, of course, in these types of games, there’s also a bit of luck.”

Fans can watch the Real Madrid vs Manchester City match on TNT Sports and discovery+. TNT Sports offers multiple TV channels and digital channels for viewers to enjoy the game. The coverage will begin at 19:00 UK time on Tuesday, April 9. Subscriptions to TNT Sports can be obtained through various providers such as discovery+, BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.