UCL: Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola reaction to 3-3 draw at Bernabeu

Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola has praised his squad’s team play after the Champions League holders played out a thrilling 3-3 draw with Real Madrid at Bernabeu.

Guardiola claimed the City of previous years could easily have crumbled under the weight of pressure as Madrid hit twice back in a compelling quarter-final first leg.

City took the lead through Bernardo Silva but Real Madrid had hit back with a Ruben Dias own goal and Rodrygo effort. Manchester City face a battle to retain their Champions League crown after being held to a thrilling 3-3 draw by Real Madrid in the Spanish capital.

Guardiola told TNT: “It was, I think, a nice game. We started really well and after it is so difficult against Real Madrid because they defend so well and the pace they have up front is unbelievable, so always you concede transitions against that team, it is impossible to control it.

“In the first half, we were a little anxious with the ball. After 2-1 we lose a lot of balls that players do not usually lose. But in the second half we showed our incredible personality in the way we play because at 2-1 it is a risk if we concede another goal.

“If we come back to Manchester 3-1 or 4-1 it would be difficult. But we continued playing with a lot of composure, much better than the first half. We make two fantastic goals from Phil and Josko. In the end, Madrid after 76 minutes, in this stadium, is an eternity.

“So, 3-3, we will take it. We have to win the game. Win the game to qualify for the semi-final. We will have our people. It will be sold out. We will need all of them to beat the kings of this competition.”

Foden was taken off with an injury later on but Guardiola played down fears it was serious.

He said: “It’s a knock. He was grumpy with me for the substitution so that means he’s OK.”

On the other hand, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, who was taking charge of his 200th game in the competition, felt the result was fair. He spoke to the media:

“It was an incredible game for both teams, we have no doubts about the quality of what we saw on the pitch. Two extraordinary teams. The result was adequate. We are satisfied with what we have done and we hope to repeat it in Manchester.

“The reflection is that it was a very good game from our side, evenly matched and competitive while we had the energy to press up front. We started very badly with a goal against, but then we stole a lot of balls, looking for transitions. Afterwards it was a bit more complicated.

“We had the chance to go 3-1 up, they scored two great goals and we had the commitment to tie the game. Now we have a small disadvantage playing away, but with the confidence that we can repeat the game we played here.

“It was a match that was winnable, because we had a chance at 3-1, but at 2-3 you could have lost if you don’t have the confidence to come back. It’s the right result for what both teams did. We have the idea of playing the same game in the second leg and we’ll see what happens.”