City's Dream Rebirth: Revived from Euro Struggles, Ready to Thrive!
Proud Pep says City will come back all the stronger in wake of Euro exit Pep Guardiola said he was proud of 10-man City in the wake of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League Round of 16 exit to Real Madrid – and backed his players to emerge all the stronger for the experience. Match Report 10-man Blues exit Champions League despite valiant effort City were edged out 2-1 on the night and 5-1 on aggregate in what was a dramatic Etihad clash with a Vinicius Jnr brace proving decisive in spite of Erling Haaland’s leveller. Though reduced to 10 players when skipper Bernardo was shown a straight red card on 21 minutes for a deliberate handball that led to a Vinicius penalty, City never took a backward step and created a host of chances.
The Blues also had two efforts disallowed for offside in the second half after Haaland had drawn us level on the stroke of half-time. In the end however an injury time strike from Vinicius Jnr sealed victory for the visitors and a 5-1 aggregate win as the Spaniards inflicted a European knockout blow on City for the third successive season. It was harsh on the Blues and reflecting on the game, Guardiola spoke both of his pride along with his belief that a squad containing many players experiencing the Champions League for the first time would only be stronger for the experience.
“They always have shown [incredible spirit]. It’s tough [being] 3-0 down and then 4-0 at 10 v 11, it’s almost impossible,” Guardiola said. Interviews Guardiola: No blame on Bernardo “When I analyse the game, I love the way we started and played, I would love to play 11 v 11 but in football these circumstances happen.
“Madrid are an extraordinary team and punish you when you make a mistake. “The future will be bright and next season we will be back. We will learn.
“Sport is a challenge. We congratulate Madrid and we will go home and have the feeling that we could not play a proper game 11 v 11 to see what happened. “Next season I don’t know what happens but of course Khusanov, Cherki, Semenyo, it’s the first time they play Champions League.