Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has acknowledged that his team is in need of a rebuild after suffering a heavy defeat at the hands of Real Madrid, led by a stunning Kylian Mbappe hat-trick. The Spanish giants secured a 6-3 aggregate victory to move into the last 16 of the Champions League, leaving City to reflect on what Guardiola has described as their “worst year” in the competition.
Mbappe’s brilliance was on full display during Real Madrid’s 3-1 second-leg victory on Wednesday, but City’s downfall had largely been set in motion in the first leg, where they conceded two late goals to lose 3-2 at home. This marks the third time in four seasons that City have been eliminated by Real Madrid, but it is particularly significant as it is the first time since Guardiola took charge in 2016 that the reigning English champions have failed to progress beyond the last 16.
City’s struggles this season were reflected in their poor group-stage performance, where they only just managed to advance after finishing 22nd in the new 36-team league phase format. Guardiola did not shy away from admitting the team’s shortcomings, telling Spanish television channel Movistar, “The better team won. We have had a bad year in the competition. If you finish 22nd, it is because we haven’t been right. It has been our worst year.”
Injuries and Squad Challenges
City’s campaign has been marred by injuries to key players, which significantly hampered their performances. Star striker Erling Haaland remained on the bench at the Santiago Bernabeu due to a knee issue, while John Stones had to be substituted within the first ten minutes of the match. These setbacks contributed to City’s inability to match Madrid’s intensity and quality over the two legs.
Despite the disappointment, there were glimpses of promise in City’s performance. Their only goal in the second leg came from a combination of their new January signings, with Nico Gonzalez finishing off a move initiated by Omar Marmoush’s free-kick, which had struck the crossbar.
A Period of Transition and Rebuilding
Acknowledging the need for change, Guardiola pointed out that City has already started the process of rebuilding. The club invested heavily in the January transfer window, spending £170 million ($214 million) on new signings, including Marmoush, Gonzalez, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Vitor Reis.
“It is normal. Nothing lasts forever, and in the group, there are players who have defined an era,” Guardiola remarked. “We cannot ignore what this group of players has accomplished—winning six Premier League titles in seven years in such a competitive league. In Europe, we have consistently reached the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and even the final. That says a lot about what we have done.”
City’s dominance in domestic football has been undisputed, but their European record remains a work in progress. Despite reaching a Champions League final and multiple deep runs in recent years, the club has been unable to establish themselves as consistent winners on the continental stage.
Madrid’s Evolution and Superiority
Real Madrid’s success against City in the last four years has often translated into Champions League glory. Each time they have eliminated Guardiola’s side, they have gone on to lift the trophy. This iteration of Madrid, Guardiola admitted, is the strongest he has faced yet.
“This year we faced the best Madrid,” he stated. “In previous encounters, whether we progressed or not, we played at a high level. But now, they are better because they can control possession for long spells, they can press high, and they can also defend deep with discipline. They have all the attributes needed to dominate European football. You have to congratulate them.”
Madrid’s tactical versatility, experience, and individual brilliance—embodied by players like Mbappe—proved too much for City, underscoring the need for Guardiola’s side to adapt and evolve if they are to reclaim their place among Europe’s elite.
Looking Ahead
For Guardiola and Manchester City, this defeat serves as both a wake-up call and an opportunity. While their domestic dominance has been impressive, their European ambitions remain unfulfilled. The challenge ahead will be to blend experience with fresh talent, ensuring they remain competitive both in England and on the grand stage of the Champions League.
The coming seasons will reveal whether Guardiola’s rebuild can restore City’s European fortunes. One thing, however, is certain: change is coming to the Etihad, and Guardiola is ready to embrace it.