"We didn't deserve it", says Pep Guardiola following 6-3 defeat to Real Madrid on aggregate in the Champions League playoffs

The hopes were built and the fans of both Real Madrid and Manchester City were nervous ahead of the Round of 16 tie of the ongoing Champions League campaign. Manchester City were a goal deficit on aggregate after the first leg at the Etihad. They came to Santiago Bernabeu with the least hopes but infinite spirit to overturn the deficit. However, what conspired was completely different as Real Madrid thrashed Manchester City 3-1 in the second leg of the game to win 6-3 on aggregate. 

Following the defeat to the current European champions, Pep Guardiola opined that his team did not deserve to win the game and the best team amongst the two won the fixture. He also mentioned that his performance in the 2024/25 campaign was the poorest among all his Champions League campaigns with Manchester City. He said: 

After we conceded the goal in the first action, we didn't defend well, it was more and more difficult.

We have to accept it, the best team won, so congratulations to Real Madrid. Now, we are focusing on the Premier League

It's a fantastic team, they deserve to go through. We didn't deserve it, it's the first year we didn't have a good Champions League season

Pep Guardiola talks about the potential winners of the UEFA Champions League 2024/25

Pep Guardiola congratulated Carlo Ancelotti’s men for the victory against Manchester City and mentioned that the Los Blancos are one of the leading sides to lift the continental trophy. However, the Spaniard boosted the morale of other competing sides stating that there are “other good teams” around. Pep also vowed that they will be back next season to battle for the continental title. He said: 

We have to accept it and fight for next season to be here again. Of course, Real Madrid are contenders to win the Champions League, but there are other good teams around

What next for Real Madrid and Manchester City? 

Real Madrid will face Girona in the La Liga clash on Sunday and the Whites will look to return to the top of the table with a win. They have lost steam in the last five La Liga fixtures, allowing their arch-rivals to retake the pole position. 

On the other hand, Manchester City will face league leaders Liverpool in the English top flight. Liverpool dropped the points midweek, and Manchester City will look to pile up the misery again on the weekend.