Luka Modric says his Real Madrid team need their best performance of the season to overturn Manchester City’s lead from the first leg. The two teams meet in the re-match of last week’s Champions League semi-final thriller with the Blue 4-3 ahead.
But Croatian great Modric believes the 13-times winners can do better this time around, especially with midfield rock Casemiro back. Speaking ahead of the game, Modric said: “We know we have to put on the best performance of the season.
“Of course we can (win the tie), we are confident that we can come back. If we put on our best performance we will move into the next round. Our fans always support us and that’s why we never give up. That is one of the things that this club has taught us.
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“We have to play this game with a little faith and a lot of aggression and energy - we have to show everyone that we are Real Madrid, that we are the best team in the world. That is what we have to bring tomorrow.
“The fans will have to be in the game from the very start. They will have a strong influence on the game.”
Madrid have already got past Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea in the knockout rounds this season in two very different ties, having to come back from the dead against PSG and then almost throwing away a 3-1 away first leg lead against Thomas Tuchel’s reigning champions.
Modric says he is not sure if City will be even tougher, saying: “I can't really tell you how hard it's going to be. We have faced a lot of great teams in the league and the Champions League. Tomorrow’s opponents are just as good as PSG and Chelsea are and if tomorrow's game will be harder I can’t say. They are a great team, they have some great players, it will be a very difficult game.”
The return of Casemiro to midfield is a big boost for Real, who were crowned Spanish champions at the weekend. Modric said the Brazil star is key to what they do: “He is a very important player for our system, he is fundamental, it's nice to have him back, I am certain he will help us tomorrow and surely rectify a few mistakes we have been making. He is always willing to help, always helps us, amend some things that don’t pan out on the pitch.”
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