The Digest:
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted his side faces a monumental task after losing 3-0 to Real Madrid in their Champions League clash, but insisted they will fight for a comeback. Speaking after Federico Valverde's hat-trick secured victory for the Spanish side, Guardiola said: "I don't think we have much chance, but I have to say, of course, we're going to try." He acknowledged the scale of the deficit ahead of the second leg at the Etihad, noting: "Obviously, 3-0 is better than four. It's a tough result, and we cannot deny it." Guardiola praised Real Madrid's performance, particularly Valverde's influence, and said City would now focus on recovery and preparation. Despite the scoreline, he suggested the performance did not fully reflect the margin of defeat: "I had a feeling that we were better than the result said... but the result is here." The city has six days before the return leg.
Key Points
- Guardiola admits City have "not much chance" after 3-0 loss.
- Valverde's hat-trick gave Real Madrid a commanding lead.
- Vows to try comeback: "We'll be there with our people."
- Feels performance was better than the scoreline suggests.
- Six days to prepare for the second leg at Etihad.
Pep Guardiola's brutal honesty: the Champions League dream is hanging by a thread, but Manchester City will march into the Etihad and try to do the impossible.
Sources: Post-Match Interview
