Real Madrid are widely regarded as one of the most feared teams in Europe and the kings of the Champions League.
Even in seasons when Los Blancos have not been at their best, they have proven to be a thorn in the side of top European teams.
Last season, for example, Madrid annihilated Manchester City in the Champions League despite having a very poor season otherwise.
City star Jeremy Doku has paid Real Madrid a significant compliment, naming the Santiago Bernabeu as his favourite stadium.
He has also named Los Blancos as the best team he has faced during his career.
Doku singles out Madrid and the Bernabeu
As reported by Defensa Central, the Manchester City winger made the comments during a personal quick-fire interview with Sports Direct.
“The Bernabeu is my favourite stadium and Madrid are the best opponent I’ve played against,” Doku said.
The answer is significant considering the level of opposition Doku has frequently encountered in the Premier League and with his national team.
Jeremy Doku has faced Real Madrid on multiple occasions with Manchester City. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
However, Doku has also experienced Madrid on the biggest European stage several times since moving to Manchester in 2023.
Madrid and City have developed a compelling Champions League rivalry during that period, meeting seven times since Doku arrived in England.
Madrid have enjoyed the better record across those encounters, recording four victories and two draws, with City winning once.
Bernabeu encounters have left an impression
Madrid supporters would be happy to see the recognition their stadium is receiving from other top players in Europe.
The renovated Bernabeu was designed to give Madrid another significant advantage on major European nights, but its reputation had always been built on more than infrastructure.
Players arriving there in the Champions League understand the history attached to the stadium and the possibility of a match changing dramatically within minutes.
Real Madrid vs Manchester City has developed into a rivalry in recent years. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Doku has now experienced that atmosphere as an opponent and, evidently, it has stayed with him.
There is always something meaningful about admiration coming from somebody who has actually faced Madrid rather than simply watched them.
His comments should not be interpreted as anything more than an observation about the club and the stadium.
Madrid have not won the Champions League in the last couple of seasons, which is quite unusual by their standards over the past decade.
Mourinho will be keen to bring the coveted trophy back to the Bernabeu, and it remains to be seen whether Madrid face City yet again this season at some stage.
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