Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted that it is tough to take their exit in the Champions League.
And a 94th-minute penalty from Karim Benzema condemned City to a shattering 6-5 loss on aggregate and Guardiola couldn’t believe what he saw after they missed their chances.
“It is tough for us. We cannot deny it. We were so close to arriving in the Champions League final. We didn’t play much good in the first half. We didn’t find our game, but it’s normal in this competition. The second half was much better.
“After the goal we controlled it. We found the game, we arrived at the byline. Jack (Grealish) helped us to control the game and unfortunately, he could not finish when we were close. Before the first goal (for Madrid) we had two chances, especially one so clear with Jack.
“In that moment we didn’t have the feeling we were in trouble for the way they attack. It didn’t happen. They score a goal at the end. They have done it many times in their history.
“They put a lot of players in the box. Four strikers plus Militao and they find the goals. I have had defeats in the Champions League. I have had tough defeats with Barcelona against Chelsea when both games were exceptional and we could not reach the final,” Guardiola said.
City looked to have sealed a place in the final after Riyad Mahrez struck in the 73rd minute to give them a 5-3 aggregate lead but substitute Rodrygo struck twice in 90 seconds of injury time to level the tie at 5-5 and send the match into extra time.
