Pep Guardiola insisted he had no “regrets” after Manchester City’s pursuit of back-to-back Champions League triumphs ended in a penalty shoot-out loss to Real Madrid.
The holders were beaten 4-3 on spot-kicks by the La Liga giants after their tense quarter-final tie ended 4-4 on aggregate – 1-1 on the night – despite a dominant performance from Guardiola’s team in the return leg at the Etihad Stadium.
Man City fell behind early to a goal from Brazil international Rodrygo but created a host of chances as they attempted to regain control of the tie but Kevin De Bruyne’s 76th-minute equaliser was their only reward.
Manuel Akanju was forced off with an injury in extra time, while Erling Haaland and De Bruyne were also subbed off before the penalty shootout. Speaking about the three players, Guardiola said: “They asked me to go out. They could not continue.”
He added: “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.”
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