Pep Guardiola says bad decisions cost them the game against Real Madrid in Champions League

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola admitted bad decisions cost them the game against Real Madrid in the Champions League clash at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday. The Los Blancos registered a 3-2 win against the Sky Blues in the first leg of the playoff game.

Erling Haaland was able put the home team in front in the 19th minute but Kylian Mbappe scored the equalizer for the visitors at the one-hour mark. The Norwegian scored his second of the night from a spot kick in the 80th minute.

However, Carlo Ancelotti’s team scored twice as Brahim Diaz scored in the 86th minute whereas Jude Bellingham found the back of the net in the stoppage time.

“Many times it happen this season,” the Man City manager told Amazon Prime. “I know the the quality of Real Madrid. We took the game in the second half and tried to attack too quick. It happens because they are an exceptional team.

“It happens many times this season. Bad decisions, that’s all. I take it. It’s not about you and me, it’s everyone.”

“Of course now it’s tough,” Guardiola said. “We have to recover. I think now about Newcastle [in the Premier League on Saturday] and then go to the Bernabeu.”

Manchester City haven’t been at their best in the ongoing season and they could not hang on to their lead in the last few minutes against the Spanish giants. 

The second leg of the contest will take place on February 20, 2025 at the Bernabeau Stadium. Manchester City will next take on Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.