Man City’s Pellegrini Does Not Think Real is Favorite to Progress

MANCHESTER, England – Manchester City Chilean coach Manuel Pellegrini said his side is not afraid to go to Bernabeu in the second leg of the Champions League semifinal, noting that Real Madrid are not the favorites.

“I think that was a very close game. We tried from the beginning to win – we pressed high – but we were not very creative,” Pellegrini said during a press conference after Man City’s 0-0 draw against Real Madrid in the first leg of the tournament’s semifinal, noting that his team did not create a clear chance to score, according to the club website.

“I don’t think Real are favorites to progress. We have the same options. They have the advantage of playing away first – they tried to manage the pace of the game – but we play the same way away as at home and we came away from Sevilla and PSG with good results,” he added.

Pellegrini also confirmed that Spanish David Silva, who strained his hamstring in the 40th minute, will miss the second leg match on May 4.