Manchester City are in a difficult position in the UEFA Champions League after Pep Guardiola’s team surrendered two leads, ultimately suffering a 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid in stoppage time on Tuesday.

Real Madrid started the match with early dominance, controlling play for the first 10-15 minutes, before Erling Haaland unexpectedly gave City the lead against the flow of the game. After the goal, City had more control, but Madrid regrouped and ended the first half strong, continuing to push after the break. Kylian Mbappe leveled the score at the hour mark, but Haaland regained the lead for City with a penalty 10 minutes later. The advantage, much like the first, seemed fragile throughout (a recurring theme for City this season), and it proved to be. Brahim Diaz, a former City player, scored from Vinicius’s rebound in the 87th minute to give Madrid a clear upper hand, and Jude Bellingham sealed the comeback with a goal in stoppage time.

Notably, Jack Grealish was substituted due to illness during the first half, and Manuel Akanji was taken off at halftime after appearing to injure his groin. Guardiola is expected to provide updates on their condition soon.

Guardiola’s reaction – What did the Man City boss say after the heartbreaking loss to Real Madrid?

“It’s something that has happened often this season. I know the quality of Real Madrid. We controlled the game in the second half and tried to attack too quickly. It happens because they are an exceptional team.

“It’s happened many times this season. Bad decisions, that’s all. I take responsibility for that. It’s not just about you or me, it’s everyone. Yeah, we’ve been dealing with injuries all season, but we know what to expect.”

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“It’s tough now. We have to recover. I’m thinking about Newcastle next, then we’ll focus on the Bernabeu.”

Guardiola on Grealish and Akanji’s availability for the second leg:

“I don’t know.”

John Stones, on the latest late defeat in the Champions League:

“We were in the game until very late, but then two situations occurred, and we conceded. As a defender, it’s frustrating to leave with that result. It brings anger and frustration.

“We need to be better at seeing games through. The manager said we need to take accountability for our actions on the pitch, and I think we do that. When these difficult moments arise, we have to step up. Today we had a great chance to go to the Bernabeu with a 2-1 lead. It’s not over yet. We have to stay positive, though that’s tough right now.

“As the manager says, we need to look at ourselves and take accountability. We were on top early in the game, and we know Real Madrid have the quality to respond in the second half. It’s something we could have avoided as the eleven on the pitch. We need to do better — it’s as simple as that. We must maintain a positive mindset and aim to correct it.”