He saw it coming - Pep Guardiola ‘prophesied’ Man City’s defeat to Real Madrid before the game
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Pep Guardiola's fears before the Real Madrid clash have become a reality |Photo Credit: Imago

He saw it coming - Pep Guardiola ‘prophesied’ Man City’s defeat to Real Madrid before the game

Asukwo Oduo 08:09 - 18.04.2024

It is the end of the road for Pep Guardiol and his Manchester City side; their hopes of retaining the UCL trophy have been extinguished by Real Madrid.

Pep Guardiola’s statement before the quarterfinal clash against Real Madrid has come back to bite him.

Manchester City lost their Champions League last 8 tie against Carlo Ancelotti’s side after playing out a 1-1 draw at the Etihad.

The match needed penalties to settle the tie after extra-time produced no goals. Bernardo Silva and Matteo Kovacic saw their penalties saved by Lunin in goal for Real Madrid.

However, it was Pep Guardiola’s fears before the crucial encounter that has now come to pass. The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss said he did not expect his side to go past the 14-time Champions, which was exactly what happened.

Guardiola said Real Madrid would be out for revenge. 

"It is very difficult for the same thing to happen again. Beating Real Madrid twice in a row is impossible. They have learned and will want revenge. They have pride."

Resolute defending by Madrid frustrates Man City

Don Carlo Ancelotti is one of the most successful coaches in football |Pulsesports.ng
Don Carlo Ancelotti is one of the most successful coaches in football |Photo Credit: Imago

After playing a 3-3 draw at the Bernabeu, Manchester City were clear favourites to finish the job at the Etihad Stadium, but Carlo Ancelotti had other plans.

Brazilian forward Rodygo had put Madrid in front after just 12 minutes, and Los Blancos held on to their lead the entire first-half, despite a flurry of attack from Manchester City.

The Cityzens did find a way back into the game in the 76th minute after some fine display by Doku, who had just been introduced. A poor clearance by Rudiger (who had been outstanding until that moment) fell kindly for Kevin De Bruyne, and the Belgian fired into the roof of the net.

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Both sides could not be separated after two hours of football (120 minutes), and the winner had to be decided on penalties.    

After Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Lunin saved from Bernardo Silva and Matteo Kovacic, former Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger stepped up to send Real Madrid into the semi-final where they would face Bayern Munich who defeated Arsenal. 

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