MAN CITY NOTEBOOK: Champions League bonuses no comfort after Real pain

Manchester City's defence of their Champions League title came to an end after a heartbreaking penalty shoot-out defeat to Real Madrid on Wednesday night.

Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic missed from the spot at the Ethiad as Real Madrid triumphed in the quarter-final stage of the competition.

Kevin de Bruyne's second half equaliser had forced extra time and penalties on the night after Rodrygo had given the Spanish giants the lead.

Mail Sport's JACK GAUGHAN was at the Etihad and reports that Man City players are poised for lucrative Champions League bonuses despite the defeat.

The first phase of a £300m stadium project to expand the Etihad has also begun.

It will come as no consolation to Manchester City’s players after the penalty shootout defeat by Real Madrid but they are a couple of victories away from guaranteeing qualification again next season.

That would be for a 14th consecutive year and the huge financial benefits of participating in Europe’s premier competition is a crucial aspect of business plans to the Premier League’s top six in their constant quest to improve.

It is why Pep Guardiola always says that a top-four finish is the first trophy of a season and City’s constant competing in that arena has seen them steal a financial march on others around them – particularly when they reach the later rounds of the knockout stage.

Those gains are passed down to the players, who are heavily incentivised to make sure City are in the pot once Giorgio Marchetti conducts the group stage draw.

Mail Sport understands that Guardiola’s squad can expect to earn up to seven-figure bonuses once they secure a top-four spot.

Negotiated separately in individual contracts, the cash is on a sliding scale. Earnings for the less experienced