Semenyo Reflects on Tough Champions League Debut After City’s 3-0 Loss to Real Madrid
Antoine Semenyo reflected on a tough Champions League debut after Manchester City suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to Real Madrid in the round of 16 first leg at the Bernabeu last night.
The Ghana international started in Pep Guardiola’s XI, deployed right behind Erling Haaland in a central role rather than his usual wide position. Semenyo lasted until the 69th minute before making way for Rayan Cherki as City chased the game.
Real Madrid dominated with a first-half masterclass from Uruguayan midfielder Federico Valverde, who scored a stunning hat-trick to seal the win for the home side. Vinicius Jr also missed a penalty just before half-time.
The versatile forward admitted after the match that the Grand Masters were sharp on transitions and exploited spaces in midfield.
“They are very good on transitions, and there were a couple of spaces in the middle of the park, and they exploited that,” he said.
The forward added that the loss brings the team back down to earth. “We just go back to the drawing board. I think the [defeat] brings us down to earth essentially. They are a good team. We just go back to the drawing board and do what we need to do, and hopefully, on Tuesday, we can change it.”
Manchester City now turn their attention to the Premier League as they prepare to travel to West Ham next. The return leg against Real Madrid comes soon, with the Citizens needing a big turnaround to stay in the competition.
