"They have more Champions League titles than we have years in this tournament!" - Pep Guardiola on facing Real

Throughout his coaching career, Pep has become a true nightmare for Real Madrid.

Details: On the eve of today's first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 against Real Madrid, Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola admitted that he is well aware of the animosity he stirs among Real fans ever since his days in charge of Barcelona.

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According to Pep, many people don't believe it, but despite everything, he deeply respects Real:

"Real Madrid have 15 Champions League titles!

They have more Champions League trophies than we have years of participating in this tournament!

I know I'm not particularly loved here, but I enjoy coming to the Bernabéu.

Here in Madrid, people don't believe that I feel respect—a great deal of respect—for this club, because they've done so much for world football," Pep said in response to a TNT journalist.

Clashes between Real Madrid and Manchester City in the Champions League are no longer a rarity, but every time these giants meet, their showdowns deliver plenty of drama and intrigue, confirming their status as two of the best teams of our era.

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