The ability of the Manchester City squad to handle the moment will be crucial tonight

With tonight’s UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie between Manchester City and Real Madrid level at 3-all tonight’s game at the Etihad Stadium, promises to be a nervous and tense affair. With the two teams having won the past two Champions League titles, they both know how to manage tense situations. Heading into what promises to be another classic at the home of the European champions, which team handles the moment best tonight, may go a long way in deciding the tie.

Manchester City has learnt this art over Pep Guardiola’s reign as manager. When the world champions began their rise to the top of European football, they had to learn some harsh lessons along the way. All of those lessons combined to help the treble winners to their first UEFA Champions League title last season. They will need to call upon that experience tonight at the Etihad.

Speaking during his pre-game press conference yesterday, Pep Guardiola mentioned his team’s ability to handle the moment that awaits tonight. Backed by their passionate home support, the City manager knows his team is well prepared for what lies ahead. He told the media: “With our people, we feel safe, we feel protected, we feel supported. We know we can handle momentum we are going for it. We have a gameplan we believe in, and we are going for it.”

The moments don’t come much bigger than a Champions League quarter-final second leg against the 14-time winners of the competition. Playing at home where they haven’t lost in 41 games in all competitions could be a crucial factor which tips the balance slightly in Manchester City’s favour. Real Madrid have their own demons to battle at the home of the world champions, which makes for an interesting subplot heading into tonight’s match.

If Manchester City handle the occasion tonight and impose their will on the La Liga giants, it will go a long way in deciding tonight’s match. Carlo Ancelotti’s side thrive on the break and in the chaos, so they will be looking to dig in and get at Pep Guardiola’s side. If the treble winners can contain the threat posed by Real Madrid and play their game, they will set themselves up to progress to the semi-final stage of this season’s Champions League.

Which team seizes their moments at the Etihad will likely win tonight’s match. Manchester City know they can do just that, and it will be another key factor in a game that is filled with interesting sub plots.