CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Modric ready for 'most important game of season' against City

Real Madrid's Luka Modric in action. Photo: Matthias Balk/dpa.
"We are very confident about fighting back," he told a news conference on Tuesday

Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric says Wednesday's Champions League semi-final second leg at home to Manchester City is the biggest game of the season.

Just days after Real wrapped up the LaLiga title, attention turns back to the Champions League with City 4-3 up from a thrilling first leg.

"The atmosphere in the dressing room is very good. We are looking forward to it. We know what we have to do, that this is the most important game of the season. We have to play our best game," he told a news conference on Tuesday.

"We are very confident about fighting back. We know we didn't play our best game in the first leg, but we still scored three goals. Tomorrow we have to do better, and I'm sure we will. We have quality, a lot of character... and the history of this club."

The 36-year-old Croatia international has lifted the trophy four times with Real, who are record overall champions with 13 titles. City, runners-up last term, have yet to win European club football's top prize.

A matter of faith

"Tomorrow it will be four years since we won the last Champions League and it will be another game, we have to forget about that and concentrate," he said.

"What we have to do is go out onto the pitch with a lot of faith and personality, with a lot of energy and aggression. We have to show that we are Real Madrid, the best team in the world. We have to get the fans into the game from the start by doing well.

"A very difficult match awaits us, but I don't know if it will be more difficult (than against other top teams)."