Man City’s Vincent Kompany Relishes the Prospect of Facing Cristiano Ronaldo

Real Madrid’s “Galactico” Cristiano Ronaldo will face a challenge getting past Man City’s Vincent Kompany when the pair meet next week in the return leg of the Champions League semi-finals.

“The only thing I can say is there’s nothing I look forward to more in my career than the chance to play against one of the all-time greats,” said the Belgian international when referring to Real Madrid’s superstar Ronaldo. “I take it as a challenge to play against these guys.”

“Of course I’ll need to have a good day. Of course you need the help of your team-mates and if your team plays well you can handle him. I hope it will happen many times in the future, that’s what I play football for,” Vincent Kompany said.

The Portuguese winger missed the first tie between Man City and Real Madrid through injury, as the game ended in a goalless draw. If he had played in the first leg of the semi-final clash, the result could have potentially been different, thanks to the massive impact Ronaldo has whenever he plays – something that Vincent Kompany fully acknowledges.

“With Ronaldo it’s not so much his strength, it’s more his speed. He does everything a step faster than the other strikers. Even though you know where he’s going he can take a touch that puts him in a position to shoot so quickly,” highlighted Man City’s captain, before continuing, “You might just not get there in time. He’s a danger at any time and any moment he has the ball. It’s that speed in everything he does.”

Man City have to remain compact and stick to their plan if they want to reach the final, according to the Belgian who is yet to get his hands on a Champions League medal. “For us we will just need to stick to the gameplan. It’s going to be very clear. You guys can predict what’s going to happen. They are going to try and put us under pressure early doors, try and get that goal and the longer we are in the game the more we get a chance.”

(Image credit: Sports Mole)

The pair previously met twice in the group stage of the 2012-13 Champions League (Image credit: Squawka)

The world’s most expensive player also commented on the first leg of the semi-finals. “The most important thing was we have not conceded a goal in the first leg and we are in a much better position in this game than we were in the last one against Wolfsburg, so we’re confident,” said Gareth Bale. If both Ronaldo and Bale are to be fit for the next game, Vincent Kompany will have a look more work on his hands, despite focusing his marking efforts on the Portuguese. Real Madrid’s forward duo are yet to strike a winning partnership, as over the last three seasons they haven’t always seen eye to eye when playing on the pitch. Nonetheless, Man City’s defense will have to be extra vigilant if both of them are fielded.

Real Madrid will welcome Man City at the Bernabeu next week, where they obviously enjoy a marvellous record against opposing sides. “We have such a good record at home in the Champions League so we’re looking forward to it. I’m sure the way we turned it round against Wolfsburg [winning the return 3-0] did make a sound wave across Europe and that’s always good for us.”

The Welsh star is fully focused on the upcoming clash scheduled for next Wednesday, as he keeps a hopeful eye on landing his second Champions League trophy in the span of three years. “Being fully fit is the most important thing – that enables me to play my best. I feel like my form has been very good this season, coming back from injury, I carried on where I left off. Hopefully now I can see out the rest of the season with no problems and win some trophies,” stressed the forward who has scored 18 goals in 26 appearances for Real Madrid this season.

Real Madrid, the 10-time Champions League winners, are favorites to win the title this season 2.87 (15/8), per online sportsbook Betway. The first semi-final tie at the Etihad ended 0-0, which gives Man City a slight edge at the Bernabeu thanks to away goals rule. Manuel Pellegrini’s men are outsiders for European glory 8.00 (7/1), behind second favorites Atletico Madrid 3.25 (9/4) and German Bayern’s Munich (12/5).

(If you’d like to know more about the online sportsbook, check out our Betway Sports Review.)