Karim Benzema was optimistic after Real Madrid conceded two consecutive goals in the Champions League semi-final against Manchester City, and the French striker was expected to qualify for the final.

In the first leg of the semi-final at Etihad Stadium on Tuesday, Real fell three times to two goals, but lost 4-3 in a thrilling match.

“I urge our fans to get ready to see something magical,” Benzema told MovieStar Plus. “We will win the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.

“Losing is not good. We are very excited to win the Champions League this season. The main thing is that we fought to the end without ever lowering our warning level.”

When the Spanish team won the penalty in the last minutes of the match, Benzema showed the extent of his nerve by finishing an attack neatly in the net.

The striker, who missed two penalties against Osasuna last week, scored in the middle of City’s goal.

“I’m a very confident man,” Benzema said with a smile. “This is the highest level (of the tournament). We play against a great team and at home. We fell 2-0, but we were mentally strong enough to get it. Again.”

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti never doubted his captain’s scoring ability, but he was critical of the mistakes his team made.

“We have to defend better,” Ancelotti said.

“It’s not a good decision because they scored four goals against us, which is not a good thing.

“It means we’m not defending well. We need to perform better in the second leg. I think that’s the key to success.”

The Italian coach believes the benefit of playing at home will be decisive in the second leg.

“We are very optimistic and excited because we believe in the magical atmosphere of Bernabeu,” he added.

Real Madrid’s confidence increased after Paris Saint-Germain beat defending champions Chelsea to reach the semi-finals, and Ancelotti said he was proud of how his team had created chances against City at home and scored.