This is one of the very good operations of the evening. By winning 2-1 in Madrid, Manchester City plunged Real into crisis but, above all, put itself back at the top of the Champions League standings. Guardiola’s team is 4th and has 13 points like PSG and Bergamo.
Quickly trailing after a goal from Rodrygo in the 28th minute, well launched by Jude Bellingham, the Citizens came back thanks to young English full-back Nico O’Reilly, opportunistic on a corner well taken by Rayan Cherki. An opportunity, a goal, and air conditioning for Bernabeu.
Five minutes later, the Norwegian colossus Erling Haaland, transparent so far but still caught by the German Antonio Rudiger in the area, obtained and then transformed a logical penalty to turn everything around before half-time (43rd, 2-1).
His fifth achievement in six days of C1, the 21st in 21 matches in all competitions with the Skyblues, who could even have driven home the point, without two consecutive saves from Thibaut Courtois (45th).
Faced with a disconcerted Real even if they showed more desire than during their last outing in the league, Jérémy Doku and Rayan Cherki undermined the Madrid defense in which only Courtois held his place.
At the end of the match, Pep Guardiola did not hide his pleasure at having tamed Real on his field. “Real were much better than us in the first half with Rodrygo and Vinicius who hurt us very badly and were incredible,” said the City coach. We were too open and we didn’t fold back well. We did not control the match. But our goal against the run of play helped balance the proceedings. » Despite this positive result, Guardiola is lucid about the level displayed by his team. “Of course I’m happy. I’m not downplaying winning here at all. On the contrary. I am happy for the players and proud of their investment and their display of energy. But having played a lot of semi-finals and finals of the Champions League, I know that we have to improve and that this level will not be enough if we meet teams like PSG and if we want to reach at least the last four.”
This observation made, Guardiola nevertheless remains optimistic for the future. “We have good players and a fantastic coach (laughs). And winning here is a very good experience and a very good learning experience for our many new and young players. It will make us stronger. And above all, with four more points, we can grab the top 8 and that is our goal. »
