Fernandinho has stated that Manchester City now possess a better understanding of the Champions League.
Following years of underwhelming performances in Europe, City have finally proven their worth in the Champions League and remain in contention to make it into their first ever final of the competition as they get set to take on Real Madrid in the semi-final second leg on Wednesday night.
Even if City fail to win the Champions League title, the campaign can be seen as a positive one and midfielder Fernandinho has gone on to reveal that the Citizens' improved performances in Europe has been down to a better understanding of how to approach the competition.
The Brazilian said: "This year the whole team has understood how to play in the Champions League. And that was important, especially in the away matches at Sevilla and Monchengladbach in our group and then against Kiev and PSG in the knock-out stages.
"It was about having a more cohesive, compact team that doesn't give the opponent as many scoring opportunities. And in attack we have some quality players who showed their strength and quality in those matches.
"We've learned from our mistakes, and we've overcome a lot of difficulties in the competition too, like injuries. We've been missing important players.
"But nevertheless the squad has showed itself to be very strong, and we managed to qualify in first place in the group ahead of Juventus who were finalists last season. We were unlucky to lose both matches against them.
"In the last 16 and the quarter-finals we also beat two good teams to reach this semi-final stage, and now we are very close to achieving a historic moment for all the players, and for the club as well."