Pep Guardiola: “Incredible result, but we’re far away from winning the Champions League”
Pep Guardiola has admitted that despite Manchester City’s impressive 2-1 victory over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, his side remains “far away” from being ready to win the UEFA Champions League.
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Manchester City secured a hard-fought 2-1 win against Real Madrid on Wednesday night, earning three crucial points that push them closer to finishing in the top eight of the Champions League league phase. But despite the magnitude of the result, Guardiola remained cautious about City’s true readiness for the latter stages of the competition.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Guardiola acknowledged the significance of beating Real Madrid on their own turf but emphasised that his squad is still developing. “It could be better. Of course, winning in the Bernabeu is so difficult. Four, five, six players played their first game here, so maybe we’re not completely ready to play in these stages, but it’s a process and there are a lot of new players.”
The victory moves City to 13 points in the league phase of the competition, leaving qualification well within their control. Guardiola highlighted that bouncing back from the recent 2-0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen made this win even more important.
He also praised Real Madrid’s attacking trio, describing the threat posed by Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr., and Jude Bellingham as a major tactical challenge. “Rodrygo, what a player. Vinicius, Bellingham and the pace they have up front is so dangerous and that’s why you cannot stay high. You have to be so committed in the way you defend.”
Despite the strong result, Guardiola reiterated that City must improve if they want to win the Champions League. “We are far away. Still, we are not ready. In February, we will be better. We have been here in the past, playing much better than today, and we have lost. That’s football.”
He closed by praising the team’s effort while stressing there are still key areas to work on. “The players made an incredible effort, it was an incredibly good result, the spirit is unbelievable, but there are still margins to improve.”
Key Highlights
- Manchester City beat Real Madrid 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu.
- Pep Guardiola says the team is still “far away” from being ready to win the UCL.
- City now have 13 points and are in control of securing a top-eight finish.
- Guardiola praises Madrid attackers Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr., and Bellingham.
- City still need to improve defensive commitment and overall consistency.
FAQs
Did Manchester City dominate the match?
No. City earned a strong result but Guardiola stressed the team still has many areas to improve.
Why does Guardiola say City are “far away” from winning the Champions League?
He believes the team is still adapting, with several new players experiencing these high-pressure environments for the first time.
How important is the victory for City’s qualification?
Very important — City now have 13 points and qualification is fully in their hands.
Which Real Madrid players impressed Guardiola?
He highlighted Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr., and Jude Bellingham for their pace and attacking threat.
Will City improve by February?
Guardiola strongly believes the squad will be more prepared by the knockout stages.
Conclusion
Manchester City’s 2-1 triumph at the Bernabeu marks a major statement in their Champions League campaign, but Pep Guardiola remains grounded. While praising his team for their resilience and spirit, he made it clear that significant improvements are still needed before City can truly challenge for the trophy. With more time, experience, and tactical refinement, Guardiola believes the squad will evolve — but for now, the journey continues.
