LONDON (UK) – Midfielder Bernardo Silva said that the exit of Real Madrid and Liverpool has not made the task of Manchester City in the Champions League any easier, adding that each team taking part in the mini-tournament in Lisbon is capable of victory.
City trounced Real in the last 16 and defending champions Liverpool were ousted by Atletico Madrid.
Though City are the hot favourites as they head into Saturday’s quarter-final match against Olympique Lyonnais, Silva said there is no room for complacency.
“Anything can happen, Juventus were knocked out by Lyon, we lost against Tottenham Hotspur last year in the quarter-finals,” Silva said.
“We have seen lots of surprises. It’s very difficult to predict the results in this competition.”
“The fact that Liverpool are out, Real Madrid are out: it’s not going to make our path easier … All the teams in Lisbon are here because they deserve it. We need to be at our best level to win the games and try to reach the final.”
Lisbon born Silva, who began dribbling the ball for Benfica, said the prospect of clinching the trophy on home turf gave him extra motivation.
“Winning this competition has always been a target for the players and the club. It will be very special to win it. For me, even more so because it’s my city,” he added.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field