Guardiola Reflects on Tense Moments and City’s Champions League Success

omidbasir- MANCHESTER, England — Pep Guardiola disclosed that the Manchester City squad anxiously watched the concluding moments of Benfica’s thrilling victory over Real Madrid from their dressing room. The tension escalated when Benfica’s goalkeeper, Anatoliy Trubin, advanced to the opposing penalty area and ultimately scored the pivotal fourth goal.

A late equalizer from Real Madrid in Lisbon would have resulted in a 3-3 draw, jeopardizing City’s position in the Champions League’s top eight.

Instead, with the scoreline at 3-2, Benfica’s manager, José Mourinho, encouraged Trubin to join the attack in the 98th minute. The Ukrainian goalkeeper’s header secured a 4-2 win, ensuring Benfica’s qualification based on goal difference.

This outcome allowed City to finish in eighth place on the table, thereby avoiding a two-legged playoff in February. Reflecting on the unfolding drama, Guardiola admitted his concern when Benfica pushed for an additional goal, leaving their net unguarded.

“We were all there, and we didn’t know Benfica needed a goal to qualify. So when the goalkeeper went up, we were questioning, ‘Why are you going?’ because Madrid could equalize and we would be out,” Guardiola stated.

He added, “But it was a clever strategy from José to score the fourth goal, right?”

When asked if he planned to send a thank-you message to his old rival Mourinho, Guardiola responded affirmatively, saying, “Yeah, of course.”

It was an overall successful night for Guardiola, as his team secured a 2-0 victory against Galatasaray, with goals from Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki. However, the match was marred by an injury to Jérémy Doku, who contributed to both goals before departing with a calf issue.

“The first half was better than the second half,” Guardiola remarked. “I’m really pleased to finish in the top eight considering the competitiveness of the Champions League today. When I started 16 or 17 years ago, the competition was different. Every team is now incredibly tough. I’m delighted we don’t have to play in the playoff stage, and I hope we can arrive in March for the last 16 at our best.”