I came to Man City to be remembered – but we shouldn’t be playing Real Madrid like this

Manchester City are set to face Real Madrid in what promises to be a blockbuster tie in the Champions League play-off round. However, Savinho, the man who played a key role in securing City’s progression, has not shied away from voicing his concerns about how they ended up in this position.

The young Brazilian forward was instrumental in Manchester City’s final push to reach the knockouts, delivering a decisive performance in the last 45 minutes of the League Phase. Despite his heroics, Savinho believes that neither City nor Real Madrid should have found themselves needing to navigate the play-off stage, given their stature in world football.

The 20-year-old, who has had an eventful journey since joining City Football Group side Troyes in 2022, now finds himself on the biggest stage of European football. After loan spells at PSV Eindhoven and Girona, his £33 million transfer to Manchester City last summer was a sign of his rapid rise. Now, he faces a dream matchup against Real Madrid, a club he once watched in awe from Brazil.

“I’ll be fulfilling a dream,” Savinho admitted. “I always watched Manchester City vs. Real Madrid on TV when I was playing for Atlético Mineiro. Now, I get to be here, living this moment.”

The winger acknowledged that while it is a privilege to compete against Real Madrid, the circumstances under which this match is happening are less than ideal. Both teams, expected to qualify directly for the Round of 16, have instead had to settle for a play-off clash.

“I think we, as Manchester City, shouldn’t be playing in the play-offs,” he stated. “We should have gone through directly and not be in a situation where we have to face Real Madrid so early. With all due respect to the other teams, a club like Real Madrid shouldn’t be here either.”

Savinho’s remarks underline the disappointment within the squad. Despite their domestic dominance, City have struggled at times in the Champions League’s new format, forcing them into an unnecessary battle for survival.

Manchester City’s recent European pedigree has been built on consistency, but this season has posed fresh challenges. While their performances have remained strong in the Premier League, there have been lapses in Europe that now threaten their campaign.

Real Madrid, too, have had their share of struggles. Though they boast an incredibly talented squad, featuring the likes of Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo, their journey to this stage has been anything but straightforward. A club of their stature would have expected smoother progress.

Savinho’s connection to Madrid’s Brazilian contingent, including Vinicius, Rodrygo, Eder Militão, and Endrick, adds an interesting subplot to the tie. The winger revealed that conversations with these players have given him a deeper understanding of Madrid’s resilience.

“I spoke to Bernardo [Silva] and some of the Real Madrid players when we were on international duty, and they all said the same thing,” he explained. “Because of the weight of their badge, even if they’re trailing 2-0 or 3-0, they always believe they can turn the game around. That’s the mentality they have.”

Savinho’s words serve as a stark warning to his teammates. Real Madrid’s history in the Champions League is filled with miraculous comebacks, and he knows that City cannot afford to lose focus at any moment.

“We must remain concentrated and take our chances,” he continued. “That’s something I learned at Girona. We played really well, but we didn’t convert our opportunities. Meanwhile, the opposition took their chances and finished us off.”

With the stakes higher than ever, Pep Guardiola’s men must prove their quality against a Madrid side that has built its legacy on Champions League glory. The two teams have developed a fierce rivalry in recent seasons, with memorable encounters defining their European journeys.

City’s preparations for the clash have been meticulous, as they look to assert themselves and avoid another disappointing European campaign. For Guardiola, the challenge will be to ensure his squad capitalizes on its attacking firepower while staying disciplined at the back.

For Savinho, this is more than just a match—it’s an opportunity to etch his name into City’s history. Having dreamed of this moment since his childhood, he now stands on the cusp of facing one of football’s greatest institutions.

His journey from a teenage prospect in Brazil to a key figure in Manchester City’s Champions League ambitions highlights his determination. But for him, simply playing in this fixture is not enough—he wants to be remembered for making a difference.

As the Etihad prepares for a high-stakes showdown, all eyes will be on City’s young star to see if he can rise to the occasion. One thing is clear: he doesn’t just want to be a participant in this match—he wants to leave a legacy.