Pep Guardiola insisted Manchester City's latest Champions League defeat will not be his final chapter in the competition after "Real Madrid" sealed a 2-1 win and a 5-1 aggregate triumph. The loss marked City's third straight knockout exit against the Spanish giants and raised fresh questions about Guardiola's future. Reports Goal.com.
The City manager brushed aside speculation that he could leave at the end of the season, saying he still has one year left on his contract and promising his team would be back next season. Still, the manner of the defeat made for a painful night at the Etihad Stadium.
Bernardo Silva became the central figure in City's collapse. The Portuguese midfielder was sent off after 20 minutes for handball, conceding a penalty that changed the match. His dismissal left Guardiola furious, but "Real Madrid" quickly took control and never looked back.
Vinicius Junior was the standout performer for the visitors. He repeatedly exploited City's high defensive line, won and scored the penalty, and added another goal in stoppage time. The Brazilian looked sharp, direct and dangerous throughout, underlining why he remains one of "Real Madrid"'s biggest threats in Europe.
For Guardiola, the biggest question now is whether he can leave "Manchester City" satisfied with winning the Champions League only once. For "Real Madrid", meanwhile, another march through Europe's biggest competition continues with familiar confidence.
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