In this video
“A tough result so we cannot deny it.”
- City reached the byline many times, Guardiola said, but the passes into the six-yard box did not even force a save. The first goal, he said, was not well defended.
- Asked what chance City have of turning the tie round, Guardiola said he is not one to say they will do it. They will try with their people, and can be more active in the final third.
- Asked to explain his changes, he said there were not many and there had been more at Newcastle. He wanted to be aggressive one against one out wide.
- Madrid arrived three times in the first half and scored three goals, he said, while City reached the final third many times. That is why Madrid put five at the back.
- Asked whether his players showed the team's identity, Guardiola said some of the time. He gave credit to Madrid's fantastic players and said the second half was much better.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reacts after a difficult 3–0 defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League. Guardiola admitted the result makes the tie much harder but insisted his team still created several dangerous moments and reached the final third multiple times during the match.
The City boss highlighted key moments that could have changed the game, including Thibaut Courtois’ important saves and missed opportunities inside the box. Guardiola also discussed the tactical decisions behind his lineup, praising the individual performances of players like Jérémy Doku while acknowledging Real Madrid’s quality in transition with stars such as Federico Valverde and Vinícius Jr.
Despite the heavy loss, Guardiola says Manchester City will continue fighting in the second leg and try to improve their efficiency in the final third. Can City produce a dramatic comeback against Real Madrid in the Champions League?
