'They had their moments' – Antoine Semenyo acknowledges Real Madrid's quality After Champions League debut

Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo offered a measured assessment of Manchester City's 3-0 defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League round of 16 first leg, acknowledging the Spanish giants' ability to capitalise when opportunities arose.

Making his Champions League debut at the Santiago Bernabéu, Semenyo experienced firsthand the ruthlessness of the competition's record winners. Speaking to Hayters TV after the match, he reflected on where the game was lost.

"They had their moments; they kept the ball really well and exploited the bit of space that we had in the middle of the park," Semenyo said.

"So it's obviously a bit tough, but again, that happens. It's a tough team, and if you give them a chance, they will take it."

The 25-year-old, who joined City from Bournemouth in January, described his journey from non-league football to Europe's premier competition as surreal despite the difficult result.

City now face a daunting task in the second leg on March 17 at the Etihad, needing a significant turnaround to keep their European campaign alive.