It’s just over a year since Real Madrid handed Manchester City one of Europe’s saddest nights en route to a 14th continental title. The first act of last year’s semi-final and the spectacle at the Etihad ended with a 4:3 victory for the Citizens, who took the lead in the second leg from the 73rd minute with a goal by Riyad Mahrez. Approaching the 90th minute at the Santiago Bernabeu, City had a two-goal advantage on aggregate and the highway to the final. And then two lightning goals by Rodrigo, extra time and Karim Benzema’s goal to eliminate Guardiola’s team.City storm to UCL showdown as Pep’s boys make Real Madrid look like Vihiga BulletsPep Guardiola 💙 playing against Real Madrid pic.twitter.com/1DNawI9tIZ— 433 (@433) May 17, 2023 If we are to believe Pep Guardiola’s words, City mourned until last night. Until they finally repaid the Spanish giants for a devastating loss last year. The Citizens just ran over Real and played a game close to perfection.”This is the best, to play a great game against Real Madrid in the Champions League semifinals. I wanted this draw, because last year was so hard that we had all the energy there… Because it was said that these players were worthless, that they had no character… The level of this team is incredible, because we have won three Premiers in a row, two semi-finals, a final … I have the feeling that we played with pain in our stomachs for what happened to us” addmited the Spaniard after the game.The King is deadNow only one game stands between Guardiola and his team and the trophy they are all waiting so long – the Champions League. The Citizen are apsolute favorites against Inter Milan, but the Spanish coach again says that being always ‘there’ is what really matters.”I don’t have such high expectations as to want to win the Champions League every year… If you think that I’m going to think that Carlo is a bad coach or that Madrid is a bad team, then it’s up to you. When it is said that we have failed by not winning the Champions League, it is being said that the rival has no level… You can’t always win and the important thing is to try. And one day it’s time. And if we reach the final, well, one year we’ll win it. I’m a culé, you all know it, and Barca lost three finals before winning it. The important thing is to be there…” said Guardiola.##NAJAVA_MECA_7261504##
