‘We’ll need time to recover from this’
PEP GUARDIOLA admitted that he is unsure what mental impact last night’s capitulation will have on his Manchester City side. City were left crushed — with several players strewn on the Bernabeu turf — after they threw away a two-goal lead in one of the most dramatic matches in Champions League history. Real Madrid will face Liverpool in the final, with City now concentrating on lifting a fourth Premier League title in five years. They face Newcastle on Sunday. ‘This will have a positive impact on the Real players,’ Guardiola said. ‘On us? I don’t know. We need time. The players gave everything. We were so close but we couldn’t do it — this happens. ‘I had defeats in the Champions League at Barcelona and we could not reach the final, but there’s no doubt it’s hard for us. ‘We need time to process that and come back for the last four games. The players are sad.’ Guardiola added: ‘We didn’t play our best, but it is normal, a semi-final, the players feel the pressure and wanting to do it. Football is unpredictable. We have to accept it.’ Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois declared that Real knew they had City beaten once substitute Rodrygo’s second goal flew past Ederson in the 90th minute of the match. ‘Explain it? In a word, Real Madrid,’ Courtois said. ‘We made it 1-1 and with 2-1 they were dead. ‘We weren’t doing well in front of goal, we missed last passes. Sometimes it doesn’t come off, but that goal, that moment! ‘We have eliminated very big teams, who have spent a lot of money to try to win the Champions League.’ Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said: ‘I cannot say we are used to living this kind of life. But it happened again. What happened against Paris Saint-Germain and against Chelsea — it’s difficult to say why. The history of this club helped us to kick on when it seemed things were gone. ‘Just when everyone thought City were through, one little detail can change everything — to win a game like this, you also have to have a bit of luck.’ The Italian, who has won the competition three times, added: ‘Psychologically we were better in extra time. Liverpool are unbelievably talented — another great, great rival. It will be a fantastic game for football.’