Aurelien Tchouameni plays down Manchester City talk as Real Madrid focus on themselves

Aurelien Tchouameni has poured cold water on early hype about a possible Champions League clash with Manchester City, insisting Real Madrid are only thinking about their own game after knocking out Benfica.

Madrid advanced 3–1 on aggregate from the knockout play-off, setting up a last-16 tie against either Sporting CP or Pep Guardiola’s side.

“We’re not thinking about Manchester City, we’re only focusing on our team. Whoever we have to play, we’ll play,” Tchouameni said after the win.

The French midfielder stressed that the priority now is maintaining performance levels rather than picking preferred opponents in the draw.

He highlighted the team’s resilience in overturning Benfica and praised the impact of Castilla youngsters who stepped up to help secure qualification.

For Tchouameni, the message is clear: Real Madrid’s strength must come from their own standards, preparation, and mentality, not from worrying about who comes next.

With confidence high and a place in the last 16 secured, Madrid now await the draw knowing they could face the current European champions, but, as Tchouameni underlined, they intend to be ready for anyone.
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