Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola had no explanation for yet another late-game collapse as his team lost 3-2 at home to Real Madrid in the Champions League playoffs on Tuesday to leave their campaign hanging by a thread ahead of the second leg.
Brahim Diaz and Jude Bellingham struck late to erase City’s 2-1 lead, the latter netting the winner in the 92nd minute at the Etihad Stadium where the mood swung from joy to despair.
“We arrived at the last minute with a result and we could not keep it,” Guardiola told a press conference.
“After 2-1, many games it has happened, against Feyenoord in the Champions League (City led 3-0 in the 74th minute but were held to a 3-3 draw), against Brentford in the Premier League, against Manchester United, many games at the end we give away,” he added.
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“Unfortunately it has happened so many times, it’s difficult.”
On the other hand, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti was full of praise for his side’s efforts after they put in a well-rounded display.
Ancelotti was delighted to finally lead Real to its first success at the Etihad Stadium, a victory he thought was deserved due to the chances created, with Real having 20 shots compared to 11 from City, despite falling behind twice.
“I think it was a complete game in all aspects, beyond criticism from my part,” Ancelotti told Movistar Plus.
“Everyone worked hard. We had a lot of chances. We didn’t give up when we were behind. It was a well-rounded, unblemished performance. I think we deserved the win.
“We defended well, with a compact block … they took the lead with a penalty but up front our players were very effective. They could have been a bit more accurate, but they generated a lot of chances with mobility, teamwork and individual quality.”
Content Source: sportstar.thehindu.com