Sports
Antoine Semenyo reflects on ‘surreal’ Champions League debut after Real Madrid clash
Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo has described his UEFA Champions League debut against Real Madrid as a ‘surreal’ milestone in his remarkable career trajectory.
The Ghana international featured for 69 minutes at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday night, as the Premier League champions suffered a 3-0 defeat in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie.
Reflecting on the experience, Semenyo emphasized the need for constant mental sharpness when competing at the highest level of European football.
“It’s surreal—making my Champions League debut—but you also have to be sharp as well as a player,” he noted.
“I’m learning on the go and I have to keep on my toes no matter what. It’s just great being around world-class players and it’s only making me better.”
The appearance marks a historic achievement for the 26-year-old, who joined City from AFC Bournemouth in a £62 million January deal.
Semenyo has now become only the second player in history, following Steve Finnan, to play in non-league, all four English professional divisions, and the Champions League.
Having started his journey at Bath City and progressed through Newport County, Sunderland, and Bristol City, his rise is a rare feat in the modern game.
Despite the first-leg deficit, Semenyo remains a key figure for Pep Guardiola as City look to overturn the result at the Etihad next week.
Source:Fiilasports/ghanasoccernet
