Manchester City must be mindful of the challenge from Karim Benzema in the final third though they are Real Madrid’s “more than a win,” Joleon Lescott says.
Lescott accepts the reality that despite his conviction that Benzema is the one to watch over his old side, the Spanish champions would face a formidable challenge, even without their suspended leader Sergio Ramos.
The former City defender claims that holding the Frenchman quiet at night would be key for Guardiola’s team, but also thinks to move to the last eight they’re capable of delivering another impressive game against Madrid.
“Sergio Ramos would be a big loss for Real Madrid and they might reflect back to the decisive point of those games on his red card,” Lescott told the Football Index.
“Eden Hazard might well be back but Benzema is probably the greatest danger to Real Madrid. I don’t believe Benzema receives enough recognition with the amount of goals he ’s regularly produced for the club over a long period of time.”
“I agree Varane, alongside [Aymeric] Laporte and [Virgil] Van Dijk, is the greatest central defender in the country. Real Madrid has a number of talent and experienced international stars in their squad so for them, Manchester City is more than just a friend.”
“No-one in the Champions League would like to play Manchester City and it is a huge advantage for any player in an outstanding game.”
