When Fede Valverde was asked which stadium was the most difficult to play in last October, the Real Madrid midfielder's response was immediate. "[The Etihad] stadium.
Their fans and the way they play, all difficult." It's not a response that fits with the social media narrative from rival supporters, but then the evidence is starting to stack up in favour of Valverde.
City are unbeaten in 41 games at the Etihad, dating back to November 2022, and some of Europe's best teams have been dispatched with their tail between their legs.
Real suffered that ignominy last season, beaten 4-0 in the Champions League semi-final second leg. Liverpool and Arsenal have both thrashed 4-1 during that current run, while Bayern Munich were beaten 3-0.
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