Bernardo Silva sends warning as Man City prepare for Real Madrid tie – ‘No matter what happens…’

Manchester City’s midfield maestro, Bernardo Silva, has sounded the alarm ahead of their highly anticipated UEFA Champions League showdown against Real Madrid. The Portuguese international, known for his technical brilliance and tireless work rate, has acknowledged the tough road ahead but remains confident in his team’s ability to turn the tide.

City have endured an inconsistent campaign, falling short of their usual dominant standards in both domestic and European competitions. While they remain a formidable force, their journey in the Champions League this season has been far from smooth sailing. Despite these struggles, Silva has called for resilience and focus as they prepare to battle the Spanish giants once again.

Reflecting on last season’s heartbreaking elimination at the hands of Real Madrid, Silva emphasized the importance of learning from past mistakes. The memory of City’s dramatic penalty shootout defeat still lingers, serving as both motivation and a cautionary tale. He stressed that his side must remain composed and execute their game plan to perfection if they are to stand a chance of overcoming the reigning European champions.

“No matter what happens, we must believe and follow the plan,” Silva remarked. “We know how good they are, and we have to stay composed in those crucial moments. If we go to penalties, I will take one. Last year’s experience won’t shake my confidence.”

Pep Guardiola’s men are well aware of the challenge that awaits them at the Santiago Bernabéu. The Spanish stadium has been a fortress for Los Blancos, with the team’s ability to produce stunning comebacks making them a daunting opponent. Guardiola himself acknowledged the difficulty of the task, famously claiming that City had only a 1% chance of progressing. While many saw this as an exaggeration, Silva remained hopeful that their chances were far greater.

“I don’t know what our percentage is, but I hope it’s much more than one percent,” he joked. “At the beginning, this was seen as a 50/50 tie, but now Madrid are the favorites. Our job has become even more complicated, but we still believe we can make life difficult for them.”

Silva also touched on Kylian Mbappé’s arrival at Real Madrid, acknowledging the French superstar’s impact while highlighting the overall strength of Madrid’s squad. With players like Vinicius Jr., Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo adding to their firepower, City must be prepared for an all-out battle.

“I am happy for Mbappé because he has fulfilled a dream. He is one of the most special players in the world,” Silva said. “But Real Madrid are not just about one player. They have many threats, and we need to be aware of all of them. Controlling the game will be key, as Madrid are deadly on the counterattack.”

The upcoming clash will not just be a test of talent but also of mentality. Real Madrid have built a reputation for thriving under pressure, turning games on their head in dramatic fashion. Silva and his teammates must maintain discipline and concentration throughout the 90 minutes to avoid being caught in Madrid’s web of relentless attacking waves.

Guardiola has made it clear that his team will fight until the final whistle, but key injuries could pose a significant challenge. The availability of Erling Haaland and Jack Grealish remains uncertain, and their absence would be a major blow to City’s attacking options. Regardless, Silva insists that the team has enough quality to step up in their absence and make a statement.

As the countdown to kickoff continues, Manchester City’s preparations intensify. They are fully aware of the challenge at hand, but Silva’s words reflect the belief and determination coursing through the squad. For City, this is more than just another game—it’s a chance for redemption, a fight for survival, and an opportunity to stake their claim among Europe’s elite once again.

The battle at the Bernabéu promises to be a spectacle filled with high stakes, drama, and breathtaking football. Whether Manchester City can overcome the odds and emerge victorious remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Bernardo Silva and his teammates will leave everything on the pitch in pursuit of Champions League glory.