Ex-Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic gives take on Real Madrid’s European success – ‘It’s easy to explain’
Ex-Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic gives take on Real Madrid’s European success – ‘It’s easy to explain’ For many, Real Madrid were not favourites to make it through to their Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich when they were drawn with Manchester City . Yet former Barcelona star Ivan Rakitic feels that it was not as much of a shock as he thought. Speaking in an interview with Diario AS , Rakitic was upbeat about former side Barcelona and the future of their young side, but warned them to take it one game at a time in Europe.
On the other hand, he admitted it had been a ‘complicated couple of years’ at Sevilla, but said they had to trust the structure at the club. When asked about Real Madrid’s progress against Pep Guardiola’s City, Rakitic said he always regarded Los Blancos as the favourites to go through. “Surprising… yes and no.
After they drew City, I said to watch out for Real Madrid. Many of my friends in Spain told me I was crying a little… (laughs). For me, Real Madrid was the favourite.
Sure, if you look at the teams, City might seem superior. But for me, Real Madrid was the clear favourite. They have a very strong, very extensive history in the Champions League.
In that sense, it doesn’t surprise me. What did surprise me was the result of the first leg. And in the second leg, especially with the sending-off, everything went their way, regardless of the fact that they were ahead in the tie.