Despite their usual dominance in the competition, City were powerless from the start, and the warning signs were evident even before the match began.
Pep Guardiola, known for his tactical brilliance and leadership, seemed different upon arriving at the Bernabeu. His usual confidence was replaced by a sense of resignation, and his frustration over the absence of Erling Haaland was clear. His demeanor before the game was uncharacteristically somber, setting the tone for what followed.
The game began disastrously for City, with Ruben Dias making a mistake early on, allowing Mbappe to score in just three minutes. Mbappe added two more goals, including a second before halftime and a third shortly after the break. City’s defensive weaknesses were exposed, and their midfield and attack were overwhelmed by Madrid’s relentless pressure. Guardiola stood helpless on the sidelines, watching as his team unraveled.
One bright spot for City was young defender Abdukodir Khusanov, who made just his third start and showed promise, particularly in a duel with Vinicius Jr. However, City’s overall performance was poor, with Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne struggling, and Phil Foden unable to make an impact.
By the time Nico Gonzalez scored a late consolation for City, Madrid had already eased off, conserving energy. The final whistle came as a relief for City, marking one of their most disappointing European nights in recent memory.
The defeat had significant financial consequences, costing City £9 million in prize money, with potential earnings from further rounds disappearing. Guardiola now faces the challenge of motivating his players ahead of a crucial Premier League match against Liverpool. Although the title race is still tight, the psychological impact of this loss will linger, and Guardiola must ensure the team moves forward.
For Real Madrid, this was a commanding victory, demonstrating their superiority in European football. Mbappe was the standout performer, but every Madrid player played their part in dismantling City’s attack and exploiting their weaknesses.
As Guardiola left the Bernabeu, he appeared deep in thought. While he has built a dynasty at City, the Champions League remains elusive, and this latest setback adds to the narrative that, despite domestic success, European glory continues to slip away. Manchester City’s European dream is over for another year, and Guardiola had already sensed the inevitable before the match even started.
