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Real Madrid star Luka Modric has revealed the reasons behind his club’s phenomenal success in the Champions League. The 37-year-old has won an astonishing five Champions League trophies for Los Blancos, with a six on the cards this season.
His Real Madrid side travel to the Etihad to take on Manchester City in the semi-final second leg tonight, having drawn last week’s first leg 1-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Vinicius Jr opened the scoring in the 36th minute for the hosts last time out, with Kevin De Bruyne netting a 67th-minute equaliser for the away side.
Real Madrid star reveals secret to success
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Modric started the first leg in the Spanish capital, and looks certain to play another key role in the reverse fixture in Manchester.
The veteran Croatian has been key to his club’s success in the competition over the years, and has now shared just why they have lifted the prestigious trophy so many times.
“First of all it’s great to be in these types of games,” said Modric, as quoted by the official Man City website. “We feel so comfortable playing in this competition and in these kinds of games. That’s why we have so many titles in this competition.
“We believe in our quality, we know the history of the club obliges you to give the maximum in every single game. These are the reasons why we are playing and feeling so good in the Champions League.”
Modric: Game will be 50-50
Despite home advantage for Pep Guardiola’s men this evening, Modric believes there will be very little to separate the two clubs. Man City are on a superb run of form, and go into the game having defeated Everton 3-0 on Sunday.
Real Madrid meanwhile defeated Getafe 1-0 on Saturday, but their league campaign is over in terms of competitiveness, with fierce rivals Barcelona having already clinched the La Liga trophy.
“We believe it’s 50-50,” added Modric. “It will be decided on small details who gets to the final. It’s two great sides with great players and I think it will be decided in the odd action and great play.
“It’s about sticking together and hopefully that will be enough to take us through to another final.”
Real Madrid not playing for penalties
With the tie finely poised at 1-1 going into the second leg, there is, of course, the very real possibility of penalties at the Etihad.
But Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has dismissed any notion that his side will be playing for penalties on the night, with the Spanish giants aiming to conquer Manchester in normal time.
The Real Madrid manager believes penalties are near impossible to prepare for given all the factors that can come into play.
“I think it would be a mistake to focus on penalties,” said Ancelotti. “It might go to penalties but it’s difficult to prepare for penalties.
“Penalties in semi-finals and finals, it can go on the atmosphere at the time. We’re not thinking about penalties, we want to go through in normal time – win before extra time and penalties.”
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