Pep Guardiola, the Manchester City manager, shared his thoughts following his team’s hard-fought victory against Real Madrid in the Champions League. In a post-match mixed zone interview, Guardiola reflected on the performance of both teams and the significance of winning at the iconic Santiago BernabĂ©u.
“We have played much better here without winning in the past,” he stated, acknowledging that Real Madrid initially dominated the match. He recalled advice from his assistant Juanma Lillo, who often remarked that “sometimes, the game leads you to the goal, and other times, it’s the goal that leads you to play.” Guardiola noted that before City scored, Madrid was clearly superior. “We lacked aggression at first; this stadium can be intimidating, especially for players making their debut here,” he explained. The atmosphere at the BernabĂ©u impacts everyone, including officials, as evidenced by a controversial decision involving Antonio RĂĽdiger‘s yellow card. “The pressure is on everyone,” Guardiola added.
Strategic Shift After Scoring
When asked about his team’s transformation after taking the lead, Guardiola remarked, “Once you score, you find your rhythm.” He acknowledged that before their goal, City struggled to control the match and were vulnerable to Madrid’s attacks. However, everything shifted once they found the net. “That moment taught us a valuable lesson for future competitions,” he emphasized. Despite facing a challenging first half where Madrid posed significant threats, Guardiola was pleased with how his players adapted and began to dominate possession.
Impressive Performance from Rodrygo
Guardiola also took time to praise Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, calling him “a player of another level” and expressing his happiness at seeing him return from injury. “I told him he’s a crack,” he said. The Brazilian forward’s skill and pace consistently troubled City’s defense throughout the match.
As the final whistle blew, Guardiola reflected on past experiences at the BernabĂ©u. “I’ve seen this scenario before,” he noted about Madrid’s ability to counterattack late in games. With this victory, City not only secured a crucial three points but also solidified their place among Europe’s elite as they aim for further success in this season’s Champions League.
The win against Real Madrid is a testament to City’s resilience and tactical adaptability. As they prepare for upcoming fixtures, one question remains: can they maintain this momentum against top-tier opponents?
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