Manchester City players have been given a clear message by Pep Guardiola after their heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid.
The Premier League champions had a golden opportunity to take control of the tie but faltered in the closing minutes, leaving Guardiola frustrated and demanding more responsibility from his squad.
Late Collapse Costs City a Crucial Advantage
With the game finely poised, City appeared to be in a strong position after Erling Haaland converted an 80th-minute penalty following a foul on Phil Foden.
The goal, Haaland’s second of the night, had seemingly put them on course for victory.
However, Real Madrid struck back through Kylian Mbappe in dramatic fashion before delivering a stunning late double blow to snatch the win at the Etihad.
The result means City now faces an uphill battle when they travel to the Santiago Bernabéu next week, a task made even more difficult by their inability to close out matches in key moments.
Stones Expresses Frustration Over City’s Defensive Errors
Speaking after the match, defender John Stones admitted that the defeat was tough to take.
The England international described the night as “raw and frustrating” and acknowledged that City must do better in handling pressure situations.
“We were in the game until the very end, and then two moments cost us,” Stones said.
“As a defender, it’s incredibly frustrating to leave with that result. We need to manage games better, no doubt about it.”
Stones also revealed Guardiola’s strong message to the squad, emphasizing the need for accountability.
“The manager told us we need to take responsibility for what happens on the pitch.
We already do that, but we have to step up when these tough moments arrive.
We had a great chance to take a lead to Madrid, but it’s not over. We need to stay positive and learn from this.”
Guardiola Admits City’s Repeated Mistakes Are Costly
Guardiola, visibly disappointed, echoed Stones’ sentiments.
The Spanish coach acknowledged that while his team played well in many aspects, they continue to make crucial errors in key moments.
“It was a tight game, and we had our chances,” Guardiola admitted.
“But at this level, small mistakes can be the difference. This has happened many times before, and we have to accept it.”
He further stressed that responsibility doesn’t solely fall on the players, stating, “This is on all of us, not just them.
The effort is there, the desire is there, but we’re not stable enough in crucial moments. We have to keep improving and move forward.”
Guardiola’s Nervous Touchline Habit Resurfaces
After the final whistle, Guardiola was seen with noticeable scratches on his head—marks that have become a common sight in Champions League matches this season.
The intense nature of the competition seems to take a physical toll on the City boss, with similar self-inflicted marks appearing after their 3-3 draw with Feyenoord in November and their group-stage win over Club Brugge last month.
As the focus now shifts to the second leg in Spain, Guardiola will be hoping his team can respond with a more composed and clinical performance.
Can City Turn It Around in Madrid?
Despite the setback, City still has a chance to overturn the deficit and advance.
The second leg at the Bernabéu presents a daunting challenge, but Guardiola’s side has proven in the past that they can rise to the occasion.
With a week’s preparation ahead, the key question remains: Can City learn from their mistakes and deliver a performance worthy of Champions League glory? All eyes will be on them next Wednesday.
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