Manchester City’s quest for consecutive Champions League titles came to a dramatic end as they suffered a heart-wrenching penalty shoot-out defeat to Real Madrid, with Pep Guardiola expressing no remorse despite the disappointment.
The holders were edged out 4-3 on penalties by the formidable La Liga outfit after a pulsating quarter-final tie concluded 4-4 on aggregate, with both legs culminating in a tense 1-1 deadlock despite Manchester City’s commanding performance in the return fixture at the Etihad Stadium.
Although falling behind early to a strike from Brazil international Rodrygo, Manchester City mounted a relentless assault in their bid to overturn the deficit. However, their efforts were rewarded only by Kevin De Bruyne’s 76th-minute equalizer.
Injuries marred City’s campaign further as Manuel Akanju was forced off the field during extra time, while Erling Haaland and De Bruyne were substituted before the penalty shootout, prompting Guardiola to reveal, “They asked me to go out. They could not continue.”
Reflecting on the outcome, Guardiola acknowledged Real Madrid’s resolute defensive display, remarking, “I would have preferred to win, but congratulations to Real Madrid, they defended so deep with incredible solidarity, and we did everything.”
Despite the disappointment, Guardiola remained steadfast in his approach, stating, “I don’t have any regrets about what we have done. Always we try to create more chances and concede less, because we believe that helps you to win and we did everything. We played exceptionally in all departments, and unfortunately, we could not win.”
The penalty shootout proved decisive as Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic faltered, with Guardiola refusing to lay blame and emphasizing Silva’s overall contribution to the game, stating, “Bernardo asked to take it, he’s a reliable player and decided to shoot in that way. What a game he had played. It happens.”
Real Madrid’s defensive strategy drew no criticism from Guardiola, who asserted, “I don’t judge. I’m not here to do this. It’s football. In this competition, that’s the way football happens.”
The defeat not only dashed Manchester City’s hopes of securing a second successive treble but also sets the stage for a daunting FA Cup semi-final clash against Chelsea at Wembley.
Looking ahead, Guardiola remained optimistic, stating, “Now we will rest and on Friday we travel to London to play the game. We will see how people will react. Of course, the recovery is easier when winning, rather than losing, but it is the semi-final of the FA Cup, and we will try to compete as much as possible.”
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti lauded City’s strength, acknowledging the necessity to absorb pressure and endure to secure victory. He reflected, “We defended really, really well. This was about survival. Madrid is a club based on always fighting to stay in situations where there seems to be no way out – but we always find a way. By the time the penalty shoot-out came, we were totally convinced we’d go through.”
Ancelotti’s remarks underscored the resilience and determination required to emerge triumphant against a formidable opponent like Manchester City.
