Manchester City winger Jérémy Doku has underlined that his team retain belief in their chances of turning around their Champions League quarterfinal tie against Real Madrid, despite trailing 3-0 on aggregate after the first leg.
City face a demanding task in the second leg, needing at least three goals to force extra time while preventing Madrid from adding to their advantage. Doku acknowledged the scale of the challenge but stressed that Manchester City’s squad and coaching staff are focused on producing a response.
The Belgian international pointed to the quality and experience within City’s dressing room as reasons for optimism. He noted that the team has come through difficult situations in previous European campaigns and that the players are determined to show their character in the return fixture. While the margin is significant, Doku emphasized that City will approach the second leg with intensity, discipline in possession and a commitment to attack.
Real Madrid’s first-leg performance has left Pep Guardiola’s side with little margin for error. Doku and his teammates are aware that conceding an away goal would deepen the task even further, but the winger suggested that City will not abandon their usual attacking principles. Instead, the focus is on striking a balance between chasing goals and maintaining defensive stability against a Madrid side renowned for punishing mistakes in transition.
Doku also highlighted the importance of the home crowd, indicating that support at the Etihad Stadium could play a role in sustaining pressure on Madrid over the 90 minutes. He insisted that belief remains strong inside the camp and that the players are motivated by the opportunity to respond in front of their own supporters.
As the second leg approaches, Manchester City’s prospects hinge on an early breakthrough and the ability to control long stretches of the match. For Doku, the message is clear: while the deficit is large, the tie is not over, and City intend to compete as if qualification for the next round remains within reach.
