Semenyo remains positive of overturning Real Madrid defeat

Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo has insisted Manchester City still believe they can turn their European tie around despite suffering a heavy first leg defeat.

Man City will have to fight back from three goals down following their 3-0 defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League Round of 16 first leg.

Away we go at the Bernabeu! ▶️

COME ON, CITY!!!! 🩵

Follow live 🔗 https://t.co/CS8MXH2LTP pic.twitter.com/YCd7yZX1Uw

— Manchester City (@ManCity) March 11, 2026

Pep Guardiola’s side were left stunned by a first half hat-trick from Federico Valverde, who scored his first goals in Europe this season.

The home side had a huge opportunity to extend their lead from the penalty spot in the second half but Gianluigi Donnarumma kept out Vinicius Junior’s effort. Speaking after the game, Semenyo stressed the importance of staying calm and trusting the experience within the squad ahead of the return leg slated for the Etihad.

‘We just have to play our game’

“We still believe,” said Semenyo as quoted by Man Ciy website. “I feel like we’ve got top players in the team who can change the game and turn it around very quickly. We just have to play our game and when we get the chance, take it.”

On whether Man City should go for early goals, he said: “It doesn’t matter really. Early would be great, but it’s obviously not going to be as easy as that. So, we will just have to wait and see.”

He added: “100%. I feel like I just said in that interview that we’ve got a lot of experienced lads, so they know what it feels like to be three nil down or losing in the first leg. Just going off them, we need to hit the reset button. Make sure we play well on Saturday and Tuesday and hopefully rectify it.”

On what went wrong in the game, he said: “I wouldn’t say the confidence dipped, but they had their moments. They kept the ball really well and exploited a bit of space we had in the middle of the park.

“It’s obviously a bit tough, but then again that happens. It’s a top team and if you give them the chance, they will take it.”

Semenyo makes history in defeat

On his experience, Semenyo said: “It’s surreal, but I also have to be sharp. As a player I’m learning on the go and have to keep on my toes no matter what. It’s just great being around world class players and it’s only making me better.”

During the first leg, Semenyo’s Champions League debut meant he became just the fourth player to play non-league, all four professional divisions in England and Europe’s elite competition.

The game marked his maiden appearance in the Champions League, having been registered in our squad following the completion of the league phase.

It completed a remarkable rise up the football pyramid for Semenyo, who has settled brilliantly at the Etihad with seven goals in 14 games since his January move from Bournemouth.