Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester City can “hold their heads high” after their draw with Real Madrid

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Rio Ferdinand says Man City can be proud after their away draw with Real Madrid. The hosts took the lead but City equalized, with the tie currently tied at 1-1. However, Ferdinand stated that Real would not be afraid to go into the second leg.

Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester City can hold their heads high after their 1-1 draw away to Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final.

Real Madrid took the lead in the 36th minute through a fine shot from Vinicius Junior but City equalized when Kevin De Bruyne scored with a brilliant finish in the 67th minute.

With this result, the match will be on the way to the return match next Wednesday at the Etihad Stadium.

Despite City’s performance in the first leg, Ferdinand assured that Real Madrid will have no apprehensions ahead of the second leg, given their rich history in the competition that has seen them win the Champions League in five of the past nine seasons.

Speaking on BT Sport, Ferdinand said: “Real Madrid will not go there (to the Etihad) with any fear. They will jump into that stadium with bravado.

Rio Ferdinand says Manchester City can be pleased with the impressive 1-1 draw with Real Madrid

Real Madrid has the same amount of Champions League titles as all the English teams added together. They own this competition.

You’re playing against history here too, these players aren’t alone. 14 trophies, look in the dugout, Carlo Ancelotti has four Champions League winners’ medals.

They know how to navigate every moment in these games because they are so used to it. You are playing against a lot of history.

Ferdinand was also full of the mentality that Pep Guardiola’s side showed in Tuesday’s first leg.

He added: “This City team has to stop them and say they came here and the way they have done it in terms of character, possession, grit.

“I think this was a great start and for the first game they can come up with something, with their heads held high.”

However, Joleon Lescott believed his former side would be disappointed not to win the tie and asserted they were wasteful in attacking areas, although he joined Ferdinand in praising their performance.

He said: ‘It’s disappointing overall, but in the grand scheme of things, to come to the Bernabéu, (and create) 14 chances (is impressive).

“You came here with optimism that you would score more than one goal. Before the game you would have been 1-1 but during the tie period you would expect City to score a few more goals and then pass.

“(But) this is an intense atmosphere so the boys get credit.”

A fine strike from Vinicius Jr put Real Madrid ahead the night before City’s equaliser, Joleon Lescott claimed Pep Guardiola’s side would be frustrated at not being able to win the match.

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