Real Madrid star Gareth Bale has admitted that he is "surprised" that Manchester City have never before reached the semi-finals of the Champions League.

The Wales international will go up against the Premier League outfit in tonight's semi-final first leg at the Etihad Stadium.

The game will mark City's first ever progression into the final four of the tournament, and Bale hopes that Manuel Pellegrini's side do not get any further.

"I'm surprised that they haven't got to this stage before now," Bale told reporters. "They're a top Premier League team and are getting that way in Europe. They've worked very hard, but tomorrow we want to halt their rise."

The second leg will be held at the Bernabeu next Wednesday.