Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol said the team’s 2-1 win against Real Madrid is a warning to their rivals. The Cityzens defeated Real Madrid in the Champions League at the Bernabeu on Wednesday.

The visitors claimed a 2-1 come-from-behind win after Rodrygo scored the opening goal for the hosts. Nico O’Reilly then equalised in the 35th minute, whereas Erling Haaland scored the match-winning goal from a spot-kick before the half-time break for the Cityzens to help them secure all three points.

“I agree with you,” said Gvardiol when asked whether winning in Madrid is evidence that City can beat anyone this season.

“I mean, obviously, we know how difficult it is to play here, and we’ve seen so many games, so many teams struggle to play here.

“But it’s not the first time that we play here. Of course, we analyse them [Real Madrid] at the moment, maybe they are not in really good form.

“So we took an opportunity for an important three points for us to fight for top eight in the Champions League.

“I think we need to recover, well. Obviously, everyone is tired mentally and physically as well. Crystal Palace on Sunday, we need to prepare well and hopefully we go there and have a good game.”

Despite the departures of players like Éderson, Kyle Walker, Ilkay Gündogan and Kevin De Bruyne, Gvardiol said the Sky Blues can still go all the way.

“I think so,” he said.

“I think we’re doing good. Like I say every time, we go game by game, not to look too far ahead.

“And we have a good team, obviously. We have amazing players on the bench, who are more than ready to come in. So I think we have a good team and we want a fight.”

Manchester City will next take on Crystal Palace in the Premier League at Selhurst Park, London, on Sunday.