Rodri has labelled Ederson as the player who pushed Manchester City over the line in their thrilling Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid.
Rodri said: “I would say that we don’t feel comfortable defending that much, dropping, but sometimes it is like this and we have to learn this. We did a great game in that sense. They had chances, of course, but we have a good goalkeeper and sometimes he needs to push us and help us because we need him sometimes. We are happy because it wasn’t a beautiful game but effective and we go through.”
The victory means City have advanced to their second successive Champions League semi-final as they aim to right the wrong of last season’s agonising final defeat to Chelsea. Rodri believes it’s a massive step for the club.
Rodri added: “It’s a giant step for us as a team and as a club being in the second semi-final in a row. We knew we were coming to a very difficult challenge, for the opponent and the atmosphere at the stadium. We faced the rival we were expecting, a very tough side to play against since the first minute. It wasn’t our best game. In the first-half we were solid, in the second-half it was harder for us. We have a lot of games on our shoulders and obviously that also takes its toll. It’s going to be a great semi-final. We are facing the kings of the Champions League. Before that, though, we need to rest and prepare for the FA Cup semi-final against Liverpool. It will be another huge challenge. We have a few games we need to focus on first before thinking about Real Madrid.”
