21st November, 2012
The fear of Cristiano Ronaldo is the beginning of wisdom for Manchester City stars, as the English champions face a stern test against Real Madrid of Spain in tonight’s Champions League cracker.
From coach Roberto Mancini to the players, bringing down Ronaldo has been the song they have been singing ahead of the all important match today.
Mancini understands he must find a way to contain the “incredible” Ronaldo if his side is to qualify for the Last 16 of the Champions League.
He clearly understands that keeping Ronaldo at bay will increase City’s chances of defeating Real tonight.
“I think it is not only this match-I think Ronaldo has a big impact on every game,” Mancini said. “One player that scores every game, one or two goals, is an incredible player. For this reason we should have more attention on him because he is a player that can change the game.”
To Carlos Tevez, Ronaldo is the man City must stop if they are to keep their Champions League campaign alive.
Tevez spent two seasons alongside Ronaldo at Manchester United, where they won the 2008 Champions League, and the Argentine knows his City team-mates cannot afford to take their eyes off him for a second.
“Cristiano is one of the best players in the world and he will play in this game the way he always do,” said Tevez, whose side have picked up just two points from their four Group D matches to date.
“He does not seem to feel pressure, and there will be no added pressure just because he is back in Manchester.
“Once he gets a chance to face up to you and run at you with the ball he is very, very dangerous and he strikes the ball well, too.”
Ronaldo has not played in Manchester since leaving City’s sworn rivals United in 2009 and there is sure to be a hostile reception for a player whose 46 goals fired Madrid to last season’s Spanish league title.