Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expressed his admiration for his team’s determination following their comeback victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League. The match, held at the Santiago Bernabeu, ended with a 2-1 scoreline in favor of City, showcasing their fighting spirit despite a rocky start.
Initially, City struggled in the first 30 minutes, appearing vulnerable to Madrid’s attacking play. However, Nico O’Reilly’s equalizer, followed by a penalty conversion from Erling Haaland, turned the tide after Rodrygo’s early goal for the hosts. Guardiola acknowledged that his team wasn’t at their best early in the match but highlighted their ability to regain composure.
Reflecting on City’s history at the Bernabeu, Guardiola noted that better performances in past matches had not secured wins for his team. “We’ve been here several times and played much, much better than today and didn’t win,” he remarked. He emphasized the need for improvement as the team progresses through the tournament, suggesting that higher standards will be necessary in the knockout stages.
Following their comeback, City showcased more stability, with players like Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden presenting ongoing challenges for Madrid’s defense. Guardiola specifically praised Doku’s contributions, recognizing the hard work of his players.
“Every time we lost the ball, they threatened, especially with Vinicius Jr., many times,” he noted. The manager acknowledged that scoring the equalizer was pivotal, helping the team to reset and re-engage in the match dynamic. He also appreciated the experience gained by new players facing a formidable opponent in such a challenging environment.
Guardiola’s gratitude towards his players was evident, stating he felt pleased with their effort. He alluded to past experiences where the team had similarly battled hard but failed to secure victories, underlining the significance of this win.
Currently, City stands fourth in their group with 13 points. Looking ahead, Guardiola aims for his team to carry this resilient performance into the final two matches of the league phase, vital for securing qualification to the knockout round.