Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expressed his frustration after his team’s late collapse against Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League play-off.
Despite Erling Haaland scoring twice, including a penalty in the 80th minute, City conceded two goals in the final minutes to lose 3-2. Kylian Mbappé equalized for Real Madrid on the hour mark with an unconventional goal, and after Haaland restored City’s lead, Brahim Diaz leveled again before Jude Bellingham scored a stoppage-time winner.
Guardiola was visibly annoyed but acknowledged that such setbacks have occurred frequently this season.”Many times it happened this season,” he said. “I know the quality of Real Madrid… We took the game in the second half and tried to attack too quick.”
He emphasized that bad decisions were responsible for their defeat and stressed collective accountability. Defender John Stones shared similar sentiments: “It’s so raw and frustrating… We need to see games out better.”
Stones highlighted that while it is difficult to stay positive now, they must take responsibility for their actions on the pitch and maintain a positive mentality ahead of their trip to face Real at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium next week.
Guardiola has already shifted focus towards upcoming fixtures: “Now it’s tough. We have to recover. I think now about Newcastle [United] and then go to Bernabeu.” The pressure is high as City needs at least a one-goal victory in Spain if they hope to advance.