Manchester City’s manager Pep Guardiola made headlines after taking a dig at Real Madrid’s Bernabeu stadium and its turf following a thrilling 3-3 draw in the Champions League quarterfinal first leg. Guardiola, known for his outspoken nature, praised the impressive stadium but couldn’t resist poking fun at the condition of the grass under the closed roof, stating that in his playing days, the Bernabeu had a carpet-like pitch.
Guardiola’s comments came after UEFA granted special permission for Madrid to close the roof of its renovated ground, a decision that may have impacted the playing surface. Despite his remarks, Guardiola acknowledged that it was a good match and praised the attacking intent shown by both teams. He highlighted the difficulty of facing Madrid at the Bernabeu, emphasizing the challenge of stopping their transitions and the quality of players like Toni Kroos.
Reflecting on his team’s performance, Guardiola revealed his halftime team talk focused on reminding his players of the remaining time and discussing the game plan. Manchester City had taken a 3-2 lead at one point, thanks to stunning goals from Phil Foden and Josko Gvardiol, but were unable to secure a win at the Bernabeu. Guardiola admitted that overcoming Madrid at home is not impossible but very difficult, emphasizing the need to minimize their strengths.
Looking ahead to the second leg on April 17, Guardiola acknowledged the tough task his team faces in securing a spot in the Champions League last four. Despite the challenge, Guardiola expressed confidence in his players and their ability to compete against a formidable opponent like Real Madrid. With the tie finely balanced at 3-3 on aggregate, the return leg promises to be another exciting encounter between two top European sides. Guardiola’s comments may have stirred up some controversy, but they also highlight the competitive spirit and high stakes of Champions League football.
