Don’t look back. Just don’t do that.That’s probably the most accurate advice Pep Guardiola can give his players ahead of the much-anticipated UCL semifinal first-leg tie against Real Madrid tonight (22.00, Etihad Stadium).It’s the Uefa Champions League baby!Man City take on Real Madrid in the semifinal first leg tonight.Can they get their act together when it matters against one of the perennial best in the competition?Or will we see ‘stupid’ tactics from Pep again?#UCL pic.twitter.com/9sKsTHntfM— Ochi (@soo_ochieng) April 26, 2022 Because back there, in the midst of history, the Royals stand out as Europe’s most successful side ever, by a mile, with none less than 13 continental titles.On the other hand, the Citizens yet haven’t felt that charming taste of UCL glory, despite reaching the very showdown last season, where Chelsea topped them.A morning coffee with the UCL trophySo, if it would come down to history, then we would have a very much one-sided tie in prospect, with Real Madrid enjoying a staggering 13-0 lead.##EDITORS_CHOICE##Thankfully for Guardiola’s boys, what happens in the past stays there and will have a zero influence on contemporary City and Madrid squads. However, that sort of an unprecedented winning record might be incorporated into the team’s DNA and its mentality, which could be relevant in such a high-voltage game.”It is not necessary to say how good Real Madrid are,” said Guardiola.”If we have to compete with their history, we don’t have any chance. The history is there, we can’t change it, but it’s 11 against 11 with one ball moving.”We will try to be ourselves, compete well. We need to play two exceptional games to reach the final.”This is the third time in seven seasons that City have reached the last four, while Real are in the semifinals for the 10th occasion in 12 years and aiming to win the tournament for the first time since they beat Liverpool 3-1 in the 2018 finals.”It’s an honour to be here in the semifinals against Real Madrid,” added Guardiola. “They’ve been here many times, and we have in recent years, “concluded he.The second leg will be played at the Bernabeu on May 4, with the final in Paris on May 28. Liverpool and Spanish side Villarreal contest the other semifinal, with the first leg at Anfield on Wednesday.UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE – SEMIFINALSFirst legTuesday22.00: (1.57) Man.City (4.00) Real Madrid (6.00)Wednesday22.00: (1.30) Liverpool (6.00) Villareal (11.0)***odds are subject to change***
