Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has described Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema as an exceptional talent.
City will meet Benzema and Real Madrid in the Champions League semifinals.
Guardiola said: “Benzema is exceptional, not only for what he does now, but also for what he has been doing for more than 10 years at Real Madrid.
“He is not only a goalscorer, but also a fantastic and versatile player.
“His career is phenomenal.”
Losing finalists last season, Man City are eager to make amends, but the 13-time European champions are a huge obstacle in their path.
These sides met in the semi-finals in 2015/16, drawing 0-0 in Manchester before Fernando’s own goal at the Santiago Bernabéu took Real Madrid to the final, where they beat city rivals Atlético on penalties.
Pep Guardiola’s side avenged that defeat in 2019/20, beating the Merengues 2-1 away and then at home in the round of 16, but the stakes are much higher this time.
