‘It is a difficult draw’ - Pellegrini reacts

Manuel Pellegrini has no reservations that Real Madrid will be a tough challenge for Manchester City when the two teams meet in the Champions League semi-finals later this month.

The two sides were drawn together in the fight to reach the final of Europe’s premier competition, with the winner taking on either Atletico Madrid or Bayern Munich.

City are seen as the weakest side left in the competition, and although Real have not impressed since Zinedine Zidane took over from Rafa Benitez, they have a squad full of world class players.

The draw was not favourable to the Premier League side, but Pellegrini insists whoever City were drawn against would pose a difficult challenge.

"It is a difficult draw,” the Chilean manager said.

“It didn't matter which of the three teams we had to play, the three were difficult.

"I think the options to continue are the same for the teams and we will expect to do a very good game against a big team."