City stronger for past Champions League disappointments, says Jesus

Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus says he can imagine his hands round the Champions League trophy and he and his team-mates are stronger for previous disappointments in the competition.

The 23-year-old Brazilian had a standout performance in Friday's 2-1 win over 13-time European champions Real Madrid that earned a place in the quarter-finals.

Jesus's starring role eased concerns at the likely absence of injured record goalscorer Sergio Aguero for Saturday's quarter-final in Lisbon.

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Guardiola — who has not lifted the Champions League since his second success with Barcelona in 2011 — and the squad fly to Portugal later on Monday.

"We have to dream," Jesus told British media. "I'm a dreamer and can picture myself with the trophy on my hands.

Under Guardiola they have exited in the quarter-finals.

"But I know the reality is different, we have to work, to show our dedication. To win is the most important thing."

Jesus — who scored in both legs and set up Raheem Sterling for their first goal in Friday's last 16 second leg -- said the players had turned disappointments in Europe's premier club competition into a positive.

Under Guardiola they have exited in the quarter-finals the past two years to English rivals Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur and prior to that Monaco eliminated them in the last 16.

City's best performance so far was reaching the 2016 semi-finals under Guardiola's predecessor Manuel Pellegrini.

"As a group, we have matured from being knocked out of the previous Champions League editions," said Jesus.

"We've learned to suffer."

Agence France-Presse