Guardiola: All the pain of last year’s elimination we brought to this game. It’s a reward for the players

Pep Guardiola did not hide his huge excitement after reaching the Champions League final. His team will reach the final stage for only the second time in its history, and the elimination of Real Madrid after last year’s collapse was very sweet for the Citizens.

After a 1-1 away draw, it was clear that Manchester City would be flying at their opponents at home. But few expected it to be in such style.

The Citizens dominated, created huge pressure and Real Madrid was unable to get into the attacking half. The home side had plenty of time and space to do everything, which was exploited by Bernardo Silva, who scored twice.

In the second half, Los Blancos softened up a bit, but when he netted an own goal from a standard, it was all over. Manchester City thus handed Real Madrid a cruel defeat from last season.

Back then, the Citizens started at home, were also clearly superior and should have taken a huge lead into the rematch. In the end, however, they only won 4: 3. In the rematch, they went ahead, but Real sent the game into extra time with two goals in stoppage time, where Benzema decided the game.

“When we got Real Madrid, I said I wanted this game. After 10-15 minutes today, I felt that all the pain from last year’s elimination was transferred to the pitch. It was so hard for us last season,” Guardiola explained in a press conference.

“I remember Toni Kroos saying that Real were special because they could have easily lost 10-2 at the Etihad. We had to swallow the poison, accept defeat and sport always gives you another chance,” the Spanish coach continued.

“Football always gives you another chance and the important thing is never to give up. These guys have never given up in recent years and they got the reward they deserve. The final against the Italian team,” Guardiola added.

Source: Manchester City, UEFA