Jeremy Doku has shared how the Manchester City squad are feeling after drawing Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Manchester City took another step closer to claiming an unprecedented back-to-back treble by defeating Newcastle United 2-0 in the FA Cup on Saturday but they still have a lot of work to do in Europe.
City learned the path they will have to take if they are to make it to the Champions League final at Wembley and win the trophy for a second season in a row.
After defeating FC Copenhagen in the last 16, Pep Guaridola’s side will now face old foes Real Madrid in a mouth-watering quarter-final tie next month.
Should they advance past Los Blancos, City will then face either Premier League rivals Arsenal or Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich in the semi-finals.
The draw couldn’t have been much tougher for the Blues but Jeremy Doku says the team are not daunted by the prospect in the slightest.
How Man City players feel about playing Real Madrid
Speaking on BBC Football Daily, Doku said: “You have to play the big clubs.
“We’re not afraid. We also know that we are a big club. So let’s play.
“I’m so excited. Every day I’m happy, I’m grateful to be here.
“I try to play my best to help the team but they are guiding me as well.
“So a good group and I am happy to be here.”
A huge test in-store
City have a right to be confident. They are the best team in the world and are capable of beating absolutely anybody.
They also obliterated Real Madrid in last year’s semi-final second leg to book their tickets to Istanbul.
But this year’s match will be very different. Madrid are much fiercer opposition this time around, with Jude Bellingham at the spearhead of an incredible midfield.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side are top of La Liga and are much more confident than last year.
City, while still brilliant in their own right, are not at the level of last season just yet.
They no longer have the crucial Ilkay Gundogan while key players like Jack Grealish, Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland have struggled with injury and aren’t at their best.
It’s going to be a huge test but City have been passing them with flying colours for years.
