The Champions League returned as holders Real Madrid and Manchester City drew 1-1 in their semi-final first leg at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday.

After the match, both managers were interviewed to get their thoughts on the game. Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola was pleased with his team’s performance, despite the draw. He acknowledged the difficulty of playing against the European champions and praised Real Madrid for their resilience.

He said, “We have just played the European champion. We played a good game, we scored it was not easy to manage them. Real Madrid played their match. When we were better, they scored. When they were better, we scored. It was a tight game. It’ll be a final next Wednesday at the Etihad.”

The reporter then asked Guardiola about the expectations of many fans and analysts that Manchester City would easily win the game. Guardiola responded by questioning the basis for such expectations and pointing out the quality of their opponents.

He said, “Who’s everyone? Do you know who we are playing against? Do you know how many Champions League titles they have? It’s not my fault you thought we would win 6-0.”

However, Real Madrid’s coach, Carlo Ancelloti believes Manchester City’s goal should not have counted as the ball had already gone out of play.

Carlo Ancelotti: “For me, the ball went out but according to the referee, it didn’t. I don’t understand why they did not use VAR.”

Meanwhile, Luka Modric is confident that the 14 times champions will knock out the 12 times appearing team Manchester City at the Ethiad next week.

“I think we deserved more. We believe we can go to Manchester and get through the round,” Modric said.

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