Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola displayed commendable sportsmanship after his team’s aspirations for a historic consecutive treble were halted by a resilient Real Madrid in a Champions League quarter-final clash. Despite City’s dominance throughout the match at Etihad Stadium, Real Madrid triumphed 4-3 in a penalty shootout, thereby advancing to the semi-finals where they will face Bayern Munich. This victory was particularly sweet for Madrid, avenging their elimination by City in last year’s semi-finals.
“Congratulations to Real Madrid, they defend so deep, with incredible solidarity,” Guardiola remarked. “We did everything. I have no regrets about what we’ve done. Defensively, offensively, we played exceptional in all departments, in everything, and unfortunately we couldn’t win, so that’s what it is.”
City, having secured the Champions League, FA Cup, and Premier League titles last season, was poised to make history by winning these titles in consecutive years. They outplayed Madrid with 33 shots to Madrid’s eight and earned 18 corners to Madrid’s one. However, the decisive finishes eluded them.
The match saw Kevin De Bruyne equalize with a goal in the 76th minute after Rodrygo had put Madrid ahead early. Despite multiple opportunities, both De Bruyne and City’s prolific striker Erling Haaland failed to capitalize further. The tie ended 1-1 for the night and 4-4 on aggregate.
The shootout initially seemed favorable for City when Madrid’s Luka Modric missed the first penalty, but the tide turned as Bernardo Silva’s attempt was saved by Madrid’s keeper Andriy Lunin, leading to successful shots from Madrid’s Nacho and Antonio Ruediger to clinch the victory.
“Pep Guardiola is a gentleman, always has been,” said Madrid’s manager Carlo Ancelotti. “He congratulated us, wished us good luck and that’s what a real gent does.”
Also Read, Caitlin Clark Headlines Record-Breaking WNBA Draft as Viewership Soars
Jontay Porter Receives Lifetime NBA Ban for Gambling Violations
Bookmark and Follow us for More Entertainment News
