‘No regrets’ says Pep Guardiola after Manchester City loss in Champions League

Manchester City players look on dejected during the penalty shoot out. Credit: PA Images

Pep Guardiola insisted there were no regrets after Manchester City’s bid to retain their Champions League crown ended in a heartbreaking penalty shoot-out loss to Real Madrid.

The holders were beaten 4-3 on spot-kicks by the Spanish giants after their quarter-final tie ended 4-4 on aggregate – 1-1 on the night – despite a dominant display from Guardiola’s side in the second leg at the Etihad Stadium.

City fell behind early to a Rodrygo goal but created a host of chances as they sought to regain control of the tie but Kevin De Bruyne’s 76th-minute equaliser was their only reward.

City manager Guardiola said: "I would have preferred to win, but congratulations to Real Madrid, they defended so deep with incredible solidarity, and we did everything.

"I don’t have any regrets about what we have done. Always we try to create more chances and concede less, because we believe that helps you to win and we did everything.

"We played exceptionally in all departments, and unfortunately, we could not win."

Real Madrid beat City 4-3 on penalties. Credit: PA Images
Pep Guardiola says City has 'lived like a cat' for too long after recent slump

Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic both missed in the shoot-out, with the former’s effort proving a particularly comfortable save for Andriy Lunin.

Guardiola said said: "Bernardo asked to take it, he’s a reliable player and decided to shoot in that way. What a game he had played. It happens."

Guardiola also had no complaints about Real’s tactics, with the Spanish side forced to sit back and defend deep for much of the game.

"I don’t judge," he said. “I’m not here to do this. It’s football. In this competition, that’s the way football happens."

Guardiola said he had 'no regrets' about the game. Credit: PA Images
Nathan Ake on donating pianos to schools and why he hopes Pep will stay at City

City’s loss also ended their hopes of winning a second successive treble and they must now pick themselves up for the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea at Wembley on Saturday, 20 April.

Guardiola said: "Now we will rest and on Friday we travel to London to play the game.

"We will see how people will react. Of course the recovery is easier when winning, rather than losing, but it is the semi-final of the FA Cup and we will try to compete as much as possible."

Real manager Carlo Ancelotti admitted the strength of City had forced them to soak up pressure and look to take the tie on penalties.

Ancelotti said: "We defended really, really well. This was about survival. Madrid is a club based on always fighting to stay in situations where there seems to be no way out – but we always find a way.

"By the time the penalty shoot-out came, we were totally convinced we’d go through.

"This is about the only way you can come to City and win. You work, sacrifice and win however you can."

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know...