Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric has backed Real Madrid to beat Manchester City in the Champions League semi-final clash at the Etihad Stadium.
Real Madrid hold the Champions League record of 14 titles – and have won the competition five times in the last nine years.
Modric believes Madrid’s winning mentality in the Champions League could give them the edge in Wednesday’s semi-final second leg against Manchester City.
“We’ve played this kind of game, [Champions League] semifinals and finals, a lot of times,” Modric said in a pre-match news conference on Tuesday.
“What I see in my teammates and [coach Carlo Ancelotti] is confidence and total faith in us, our character and our qualities.”
For Modric, it would be his sixth final if Madrid beat Man City.
“I remember a team talk that [former coach Zinedine Zidane] gave us, talking about a dynasty, and we’ve achieved it,” Modric said.
“It gives you an extra motivation, playing in this competition for Real Madrid. When you know you’re close to another final you want to give everything. It can motivate you in certain moments, to give more than you think you have to give. That’s important, that we’re close to doing something historic.”
“We know the Champions League is a competition we like,” Modric went on. “We feel comfortable in this competition and in these games, that’s why we’ve won so many… We feel comfortable and we believe in our quality and the history of the club.”