With the UEFA Champions League knockout stages heating up, Real Madrid is poised to advance to the quarter-finals, but they must first overcome the challenge posed by Manchester City in a pivotal second leg clash at the Etihad Stadium. After a commanding 3-0 victory in the first leg at the Bernabeu, Alvaro Arbeloa’s side aims to seal their progression in the elite European tournament.
The impressive win in Madrid was met with frustration from City who were left disappointed by the margin of defeat. Rodri Hernandez, speaking to Cadena SER and reported by Diario AS, expressed his feelings about the result, while also remaining optimistic about his team’s chances of a comeback.
“A little frustrated (with the result), but it’s been the tone of this season. It’s costing us in that final third. That quality to score the last goal. Maybe it’s penalising us a lot, but in football the most important thing is to put the ball in the net,” Rodri shared, highlighting the need for improvement as they prepare for the critical second leg.
“We have to be more accurate and take a step forward in that sense. I think we have the rest: the game, the ability to generate… It’s true that we couldn’t score the other day, but we have to lift the team, because on Tuesday we have an important game. Above all, we have to make sure that the team creates chances.”
Rodri on Transfer Speculation
Amidst speculation regarding a potential summer transfer to Real Madrid, Rodri remained focused on his current responsibilities with Manchester City, stating that he is not considering his future at this time.
“I’m not going to answer that. It’s a moment to think about what we have now, with my team, in my season, and then we’ll see.”
Positive Recovery After Injury
Rodri’s journey back to fitness has not been an easy one following his ACL injury during a match against Arsenal in September 2024. However, he has expressed that he is feeling increasingly positive about his recovery and overall performance.
“The truth is that I feel very good. Very, very happy. Obviously on an individual level, not because of the team’s situation, but yes, happy, feeling better and better. Step by step.”
