Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo has reacted to his UEFA Champions League debut in Manchester City’s embarrassing 3-0 defeat to Real Madrid in the first leg of their round of 16 clash at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu.
The Spanish giants secured the victory thanks to a stunning first-half hat-trick from Federico Valverde, with Vinícius Jr also missing a penalty just before half-time as the hosts dominated the entire encounter.
The 25-year-old was handed a place in Pep Guardiola’s starting lineup and was deployed in a central attacking role just behind Erling Haaland, rather than his usual position on the flanks. The Ghanaian forward was later substituted in the 69th minute for Rayan Cherki.
Speaking after the match, Semenyo admitted Real Madrid took advantage of spaces in midfield and punished City during quick transitions.
“They are very good on transitions, and there were a couple of spaces in the middle of the park, and they exploited that.
“We just go back to the drawing board. I think the defeat brings us down to earth essentially.
“They are a good team. We just go back to the drawing board and do what we need to do, and hopefully, on Tuesday, we can change it.”
Manchester City will now shift their focus back to domestic action as they prepare for their next league fixture away to West Ham United.
