'Now is where all the tough things start.'

That’s the message from City midfielder Bernardo Silva ahead of Wednesday’s huge Champions League quarter-final second leg decider at home to Real Madrid.

The sides will step out at the Etihad with the tie delicately poised after last week’s pulsating 3-3 first leg encounter at the Bernabeu.

City meanwhile are now two points clear at the top of the Premier League after a dramatic weekend that saw fellow title contenders Liverpool and Arsenal both lose.

What will be a third consecutive Champions League knockout clash against Real Madrid is then followed by Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea at Wembley.

It all means that City are still in with the chance to record what would be an astounding second successive Treble.

Addressing the media ahead of Wednesday’s eagerly awaited clash with the Spanish champions, Bernardo said the City squad were excited to be in such a position but pointed out that the really head work starts now.

“This group has proved throughout the years we are capable of getting to the final month of the season fighting for all the competitions,” the Portuguese midfielder declared.

“Now it’s where all the tough things start. It is not easy, obviously.

“That’s why only two teams won the Treble in English football because it’s not easy.

“But we are very happy to be in a position where we can fight for all of them. It’s not easy because our opponents are really good.

“But we are there. We are really happy to be in this position and it’s another big challenge for all of us.”

Play the video to watch Bernardo’s press conference in full…