UCL: “Real Madrid Were Lucky Against Man City” — Del Piero

Italy and Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero believes Real Madrid was lucky against Manchester City as Pep Guardiola’s men ‘could have scored eight goals.’

Madrid suffered a 4-3 loss at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals.

The LaLiga giants managed to keep their qualification hopes alive despite going down to two goals in the opening 20 minutes.

They were also lucky not to go further behind as City missed some glaring chances.

And reacting to the thrilling encounter, the 2006 World Cup winner, however, praised Madrid for their fighting spirit despite the early setback.

“It was a spectacular game, City scored four goals, but could have scored eight,” Del Piero told Sky Sport Italia.

“Details often make the difference. On the other hand, Madrid has a team full of champions. Karim Benzema and Luka Modric are rare players. When you make a mistake, they always punish you.”

“What’s the secret behind Madrid’s personality and capacity to always remain in the game?

“I believe that it depends on their mentality, which the club sets,” Del Piero said.

“You saw what Benzema did. At some point [with Madrid 2-0 down], he collected the ball and rushed to take a corner kick…it was a signal to show that, despite everything, they were still in the game.

“Real Madrid was a bit lucky as well, but some things don’t happen by chance. When you have players with personality, like Benzema, Modric, Toni Kroos….these players know what to do and have the experience of remaining calm in difficult times.”

Both teams will clash in the reverse fixture at the Santiago Bernabeu next week Wednesday.