“Fantastic all-round player” Pep Guardiola singles out Real Madrid’s biggest threat to his side ahead of UCL semi-final clash

“Fantastic all-round player” Pep Guardiola singles out Real Madrid’s biggest threat to his side ahead of UCL semi-final clash

Pep Guardiola has identified Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema as his team’s main threat. 

Manchester City will face Real Madrid in the Champions League semifinals later this month.

Manchester City defeated Atletico Madrid in the first leg courtesy to a Kevin De Bruyne goal. 

Meanwhile, Benzema scored four goals to help Real Madrid defeat Chelsea 5-4 on aggregate.

Guardiola lauded Benzema during a press conference, saying the striker is extraordinary for what he has done for more than a decade. He stated:

“Benzema is exceptional, not only because of what he is doing now, but for what he has been doing for 10+ years at Real Madrid.

“He is not only a scorer, but is a fantastic all-round player. His career is phenomenal.”

Guardiola issued a warning to his players after their tight win against Atletico Madrid in the semifinals.

He went on to say that if they played like they did against Atletico in the second leg, they would have no chance against the ‘kings of the competition.’ He stated:

“The kings of the competition. It was always going to be only a matter of time before it was complicated.

” It’s our third semi-final of the competition. If we play like we did in the second half we won’t have a chance.

“We’ll try to play like we did in Manchester and at times in the first half here.

“We came here from a game with no time to prepare for this one. They [Atleti] were very good. It was very difficult. We’ve held on.”

Karim Benzema has been in outstanding form this season and is widely expected to win the Ballon d’Or.

In 2021-22, the Frenchman has been one of the top performers both domestically and in Europe, with his goals saving Real Madrid in practically every game. In all competitions, the 34-year-old has scored 39 goals in 39 games.

Meanwhile, Manchester City fell to Liverpool in the FA Cup semi-finals this weekend.

The Cityzens were defeated 3-2 by the Reds after trailing 3-0 in the first half, leaving Guardiola without the title he last won in the 2018-19 season.

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“Fantastic all-round player” Pep Guardiola singles out Real Madrid’s biggest threat to his side ahead of UCL semi-final clash