Manchester City’s Champions League dream ended in crushing fashion as Real Madrid dismantled them 6-3 on aggregate, leaving head coach Pep Guardiola frustrated.
Despite their ambitions of defending their European crown, Guardiola had no choice but to concede that his side was simply second-best, Footballrover reports.
Pep Guardiola: Real Madrid deserved the win
Speaking to TNT Sports, Guardiola was candid in his assessment, acknowledging that his team failed to rise to the occasion.
He admitted that after conceding the first goal, his team didn’t defend well, and it became increasingly difficult.
The City boss praised Real Madrid as a “fantastic team” that fully deserved to advance, while acknowledging that his own squad did not do enough.
“Tonight the best team won; that’s simple. Real Madrid were the best team, and they won; it’s deserved. So congratulations to Real Madrid. Now, we are focusing on the Premier League,” he said.
He reflected on the campaign, stating that it was the first time under his leadership that City had failed to perform at a high level in the Champions League.
With their European hopes shattered, Guardiola emphasised the need to shift focus to domestic competitions.
“Now, we turn our attention to the Premier League,” he added, determined to regroup and push forward.
Man City’s Champions League nightmare in numbers
The 3-1 second-leg defeat at the Santiago Bernabeu was a historic low for Guardiola.
For the first time in his 16-year managerial career, his team was eliminated before the round of 16.
It also marked Manchester City’s 13th defeat of the season across all competitions—more losses than in any previous campaign under the Spanish tactician.
Outclassed by Madrid, City struggled offensively, failing to register a shot on target until the 75th minute.
Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe’s hat trick sealed the Spanish giants’ passage to the next round, reinforcing their status as top contenders.
With Real Madrid marching forward, Guardiola and City must regroup quickly as they prepare to face Arne Slot’s side in the Premier League this weekend.
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