Bernardo Silva, Manchester City player, acknowledged that Real Madrid is "stronger" than last season and will seek revenge with "wounded pride" after the 4-0 defeat in 2023.

"I haven't watched last year's game again," admitted the Portuguese on Tuesday at a press conference. "I think Madrid is stronger than last season, that's my feeling when we play at the Bernabéu. They will want revenge, and the match will be different. This is a different team; last year they played more in a 4-3-3, this year it's more 4-4-2. Benzema is replaced by Bellingham, Rodrygo plays more this year and is doing very well. Madrid surely has their pride a little hurt."

"We are very strong at home with our fans. Last year's match was an apology to our fans for what happened in 2022," added Bernardo.

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City comes to this match after a significant step forward in the Premier League, following Arsenal and Liverpool's stumbles.

"It has been a great weekend for us. I didn't expect both teams to lose. Before, we didn't depend on ourselves; now the situation has changed. If we do our job, we will win the Premier League."

"It's not the time to think about trebles because there is still a lot left. In a week, we could lose all three competitions. We want to win six Premier Leagues in seven years and we want to win the Champions League two years in a row, something only Real Madrid has achieved. That would be creating a legacy," added the Portuguese, who declared himself a fan of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.

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"They are role models, inspirations, because they play in the same position as me. I especially highlight their consistency; they have been doing this for many seasons. After all they have achieved, they keep going. They are an example for everyone who plays football. They don't think about themselves; they think about the group."

Regarding facing Real Madrid, Bernardo said they feel "maximum respect."

"For everything they have achieved in this competition and for knowing that they are a very dangerous team because they play in a very different way from ours. Sometimes you feel like you have control of the game, they catch you once or twice, and they score two goals. You feel like you have the game under control, but you never do. Individually, they are the best team in the world," he said.