Pep Guardiola accepted Manchester City had been outplayed as their Champions League campaign came to a limp end with a 3-1 defeat at Kylian Mbappe-inspired Real Madrid.
Mbappe scored a brilliant hat-trick in the second leg of their play-off at the Bernabeu Stadium on Wednesday to power the holders into the last 16 6-3 on aggregate.
City had led the tie 2-1 heading into the closing minutes at the Etihad Stadium last week only to surrender their advantage.
Yet this time they were hardly in the contest as Real took charge with Mbappe’s opener on four minutes and the Frenchman ended all doubt with two more either side of the break.
City manager Guardiola said: “The plan was to extend the result that we brought from Manchester as long as possible but we conceded so early and with the injury to John (Stones) it was a little bit (more of) what has happened his season.
“We couldn’t defend well with the movement from Mbappe and it was more difficult.
“The best team won, they deserved it. They were better. What we have to do is accept the reality and move forward.”
Stones was forced off injured moments after Mbappe’s opener.
It was City’s second injury blow of the night after top scorer Erling Haaland, still troubled by the knee problem sustained against Newcastle on Saturday, failed to even make the starting line-up.
Guardiola said: “Erling yesterday tried to train after the last action against Newcastle. With the images we have done it was fine, but he had discomfort walking, for example up the stairs.
“We spoke and he said he wasn’t ready, he didn’t feel good.”
It is the third time in four seasons City have been beaten in a knockout tie by Real but the first time Guardiola felt defeat was deserved.
“In previous seasons when we were playing outstanding it hurt more than today,” said Guardiola, after his side mustered only a late consolation through Nico Gonzalez.
“I had the feeling we were better than them in the previous three seasons but this time they were better.”
Real’s victory firmly established their credentials as potential winners of the competition once again.
The holders struggled in the league phase but, on this performance, now look strong contenders to claim a 16th title.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti said: “We are in the fight for Champions League.
“We have fantastic quality up front but have had difficulties finding the right balance defensively.
“It seems we have found it and we have the possibility to compete until the end.
“We had a very good all game in all aspects – offensively, defensively, without the ball.”
Jack Grealish Man CityPep Guardiola has left Jack Grealish out of Man City's squad for their final day tilt against Fulham, fuelling speculation over the winger's future. Manchester United FC v Manchester City FC - Premier LeagueWHAT HAPPENED?Grealish is scheduled for talks with the club this summer, but his omission from their crucial trip to Craven Cottage is the latest sign his future likely li...
Manchester United v Fulham - Emirates FA Cup Fifth RoundVictor Lindelof's time at Manchester United is drawing to a close as the Swedish international will leave once his contract expires.WHAT HAPPENED?Fabrizio Romano has reported that a final decision was made following a meeting this week between the club’s hierarchy and the player, marking the end of an eight-year stint at Old Trafford. D...
🔊 Can Aston Villa qualify for the Champions League for the second consecutive season? Their chances look promising, especially with Manchester United unfortunately becoming one of the main point donors in the Premier League. However, a win at Old Trafford won't be enough. They need one of the top three to drop points. Regardless, the visitors will be playing solely for the win, making the favorite...
🔊 Can Newcastle secure a top-five finish in the English Premier League? Currently sitting fourth, they are only ahead of Chelsea and Aston Villa on goal difference. This makes a win at St. James' Park crucial for the Magpies. Everton might not be in contention for anything significant, but they remain a tricky opponent. We'll explore various scenarios to make an insightful prediction. Head-to-Head...
🔊 Will Manchester City secure a spot in the Champions League by the end of the Premier League season? A victory would guarantee it. However, under certain scenarios, a draw or even a loss might suffice. Fulham, stuck in mid-table, aren't contending for anything significant. With a lack of motivation, they appear as the underdogs in this clash at London's Craven Cottage. Nonetheless, we will explor...
🔊 Can Ipswich Town wrap up their stay in the English Premier League with a victory? They're up against West Ham, a team with a decent squad but plenty of on-field issues. This gives the "Tractor Boys" a chance to delight the crowd at Portman Road, even though they aren't the favorites. We'll explore various scenarios to make a well-founded prediction.Head-to-Head📊 The only head-to-head encounter b...
🔊 Will the final round of the English Premier League serve as a dress rehearsal for the Community Shield? These very teams will compete for the trophy in August. It's a familiar scenario for Liverpool, but not so for Crystal Palace, who will make their debut in such a match. However, both teams are unlikely to be looking that far ahead, as their lineups are bound to change. More likely, players fr...
🔊 How will Leicester look without their legend, Jamie Vardy? The team is likely to undergo some restructuring, but that's a challenge for next season when the Foxes will be competing in the Championship. Bournemouth, on the other hand, will remain in the Premier League, though their squad could see significant changes due to increased demand for their players. In this upcoming clash, neither team ...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Enzo Maresca now The Arsenal of Italy When you see it… Arteta really thinks this. The difference The last time Man United won a European Trophy was when they played against… Andre Onana! James Maddison had a big night Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball, FootballLaughss, PL__OOC...
Kyle Walker's decline led to him being cast aside by Pep Guardiola, before he joined AC Milan in January. Since then, it has been Matheus Nunes and Rico Lewis that have operated at right-back, but Man City are keen for a specialist to be brought in during the summer. And they have now set their sights on one of the Premier League's brightest talents.Man City identify Tino Livramento as leading rig...
- 1 Man City withdraw and Liverpool could steal
- 2 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 3 Man City target right-back Tino Livramento
- 4 Liverpool vs Crystal Palace Prediction 25 May 2025
- 5 Man United man makes stunning claim
- 6 Tottenham vs Manchester United Prediction 22 May 2025
- 7 Goodbye Jack Grealish?! Pep Guardiola axes Man City star from squad for crucial Fulham clash as transfer talk continues to swirl
- 8 Eberechi Eze is at it again as he helps Crystal Palace to victory against Wolves
- 9 Liverpool considering transfer swoop
- 10 Manchester United vs Aston Villa Prediction 25 May 2025