Real Madrid chief Emilio Butragueno has warned that Manchester City will be a difficult opponent when the two European giants meet in the Champions League playoff.
The two sides were paired together in Friday’s draw, setting up another highly anticipated European clash between the Spanish and English champions.
Butragueno believes Real Madrid must produce a strong performance at the Etihad Stadium in the first leg if they are to progress to the last 16. He said:
We know each other very well. They are a great team who also have experience and are used to this type of match, so they will be a very difficult opponent.
The Real Madrid chief also highlighted the advantage of playing the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu, where he believes the support of the home fans could prove crucial.
We have to get a good result in Manchester and, if we are able to do so, I’m sure that with the support of our fans we will have more chances of returning here to the draw for the last 16.
Butragueno acknowledged that City remain among the favourites to win the competition despite their difficult league-phase campaign. He concluded saying:
They are one of the candidates to win the title. It is true that this qualifying phase has been a bit strange and that is why they have finished so low, but we know that they are very strong and we have to play at our highest level.
