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Rodri aims bitter jibe at Real Madrid amid Champions League exit
Manchester City midfielder Rodri expressed his frustration after their Champions League quarter-final loss to Real Madrid, stating that “only one team” was truly attempting to win during the match. Despite City’s dominance in possession and numerous attempts on goal, it was Real Madrid who emerged victorious.
In the second leg at the Etihad Stadium, City controlled the game, outshooting their opponents by a significant margin. However, it was Real Madrid who took the lead through Rodrygo’s goal, putting them ahead on aggregate. City managed to equalize in the 76th minute with Kevin De Bruyne’s goal, forcing the match into extra time. Despite City’s efforts, Real Madrid ultimately won 4-3 on penalties. Rodri’s comments highlight the frustration felt by City’s players after a match where their dominance did not translate into victory.
“To be honest, I saw only one team. In terms of defending, they defended [well]. They knew how to suffer and we know how tough Real Madrid are,” Rodri said to reporters afterwards.
“In my opinion, we should go through with that amount of chances, but this is the trick of this competition. They know how to play it. We congratulate [Madrid]. We gave everything, there is nothing to regret. This is football sometimes. This shows how difficult it is to win it, as we did last season. It was very frustrating and sometimes it is difficult to explain.”
Pep Guardiola echoed the sentiment that Manchester City deserved to progress in the Champions League based on their performance, implying that their efforts should have been recognized on “merit.”
However, he acknowledged that the tournament does not always align with such perceptions, suggesting a discrepancy between performance and outcome in the context of the Champions League.
He reflected: “We know that this competition does not understand merits, it understands to put the ball in. It is true that the only one they have had was put in, and we have been in tow the entire game and we have managed to tie.”
Manchester City’s season still holds the promise of clinching two trophies, with the team currently leading the Premier League with six games remaining and being considered favorites among the final four teams to win the FA Cup.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid is also pursuing dual triumphs, as they are poised to reclaim the La Liga title and are on the hunt for their record-extending 15th Champions League trophy. Both clubs are in contention for multiple accolades, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the season as they vie for glory on multiple fronts.