A delighted Pep Guardiola said that Manchester City used having to “swallow the poison” of last year’s semi-final defeat by Real Madrid to eliminate them this time and reach next month’s Champions League final against Internazionale with the finest display of his managerial career.
City blew the holders away with a 4-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night to win 5-1 on aggregate via two goals from Bernardo Silva, another from Manuel Akanji and Julián Álvarez’s final blow.
Last season City were winning 5-3 overall at Real going into added time before two Rodrygo goals took the tie into extra time. Karim Benzema then scored a penalty to take Real through and cause City heartbreak.
“We had to swallow the poison,” said Guardiola. “All the pain we had in one year, for one season, was there today. I have a feeling that for one year we had a fear in our stomach about what happened last season but today we went out with everything we had.
“Last season was so painful and people say it was a lack of character from the players but one year later we show just how special these players are.
“Congratulations to our chairman, our owner and every last person [in our organisation] because they work with a real purpose and now we are there.
“We accepted the defeat. One year later we are in the final. Life always gives you a second opportunity. Don’t give up; try again, try again. We’re one game away from the Premier League title – three years in a row – and [in a] second Champions League [final] in three years. That is consistency.
“We spoke before the game to the players, to ask themselves if they want to play against Inter. In the bad moments, ask yourself, and if you do then you will beat Real. They played with the spirit that we needed to do it.”
In 14 years as a manager Guardiola has also coached Barcelona and Bayern Munich. He was asked where this display ranked among his best. “It’s the highest, considering the opponent and it’s the Champions League semi-final,” he said.
City now need one victory in the Premier League followed by winning the FA Cup final and the Champions League final to complete the treble. “We are closer – and players will think of it,” he said. “But we have to try and close the league against Chelsea [on Sunday at home] to give more time to prepare for the finals.
“A final against an Italian team, people will say we are favourites and that is the worst that can happen.”
Carlo Ancelotti, the Real Madrid coach, confirmed he expects to remain in charge next season. “The president has been quite clear two weeks ago – there are no doubts about my staying on,” he said.
