Kerstin Casparij says she enjoys the pressure that comes with the UEFA Women’s Champions League ahead of City’s clash with Real Madrid.

The defender, who joined the Club this summer from FC Twente in her native Holland, made her debut in Thursday’s 6-0 triumph over WFC Tomiris-Turan.

The reward for that victory sees Gareth Taylor’s side pit our wits against Las Blancas at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano this evening, with the winners progressing to the final round of qualifying for this season’s tournament.

Still just 22, Casparij has already cut her teeth in Europe’s elite competition during her time at FC Twente, and is relishing the prospect of another important fixture for City.

“It’s such an exciting game,” she explained ahead of Sunday’s 20:00 (UK) kick-off, which is available to watch live on CITY+ and our Recast channel.

“I think it’s a top game, both teams deserve to be in the group stage which makes it extra fun. We’re very eager to get the win this time round.

“The difference between this and the league is that there’s a lot at stake [in this one fixture].

“There’s a lot of pressure which I personally quite enjoy, they are always fun to play.”

It was a dream debut for Casparij, with City cruising to victory in emphatic fashion.

The Dutch international played the full 90 minutes in Madrid and admits that making her first appearance for Gareth Taylor’s side was made extra special by it being in the Champions League.

“Making your debut is special but making it in a Champions League game as well [is extra special].

“It was an important one because we had to win to play on Sunday. It was quite special.

“[We kept a] clean sheet as well, as a defender that’s important!

“I found out [I would be starting] when we had the meeting before the game. I felt happy, I thought ‘let’s go, we’re going to rock this’.”

CITY V REAL MADRID LIVE COVERAGE

City’s Champions League tie against Real Madrid will be available to watch live on CITY+ and Recast.

Kick-off in the Round One final is set for 20:00 on Sunday 21 August, with the winner progressing to Round Two of the competition’s League path and just two games from the Group Stage.

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It will allow you to watch full-match replays of all Men’s and Women’s matches, selected broadcasts of Women’s, Elite Development Squad and Academy matches and provides access to the full catalogue of City Studios documentaries.

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