Manchester City has moved to fourth place in the Champions League league phase standings after a 2-1 away win against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. This was only Manchester City’s second victory at the venue. The result improves the club’s probability of finishing within the competition’s top eight, thereby increasing their chances for further progression. Despite this positive outcome, manager Pep Guardiola emphasized in post-match statements that the team is not yet prepared to win the Champions League.

Following the win, Manchester City is now ranked as the third favourite for the Champions League title by major betting markets, behind Arsenal and Bayern Munich. The victory was significant in light of a recent defeat to Bayer Leverkusen. With remaining group-stage matches against Bodo/Glimt and Galatasaray, the team’s position in the next round is within their own control.

Guardiola stated in a TNT Sports interview that the squad remains “far away” from optimal readiness and expects improvement by February. He noted that the team has previously outperformed but lost matches at the same venue, attributing this to the unpredictable nature of football. Guardiola acknowledged players’ effort and highlighted the need for further improvement in specific areas.

Guardiola addressed the difficulty of achieving positive results at the Bernabeu, noting that several Manchester City players were making their first appearance at the stadium. He indicated that the outcome is a positive step in meeting the club’s objective of finishing in the top eight, particularly after the loss to Leverkusen. Guardiola also emphasized the process of integrating new players into the team dynamic.

Regarding Real Madrid’s performance, Guardiola identified Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham as key offensive threats, citing their pace and technical ability. He described City’s defensive approach as largely adequate, despite acknowledging areas where the team fell short.

Erling Haaland, Manchester City’s striker, described the match as challenging, highlighting the high frequency of transitions and opportunities on goal. Haaland identified missed chances and chaotic gameplay as notable features of the contest. He stated that the result was important, especially following the previous defeat, and underlined the necessity of securing points in upcoming matches to ensure advancement.

For Real Madrid, recent performance has led to increased scrutiny of manager Xabi Alonso. The team has recorded two wins in their last eight matches across all competitions. Amid speculation regarding Alonso’s position, midfielder Jude Bellingham expressed support for the manager and cited strong internal communication and continued collective effort within the squad.

Bellingham acknowledged the team’s recent difficulties, particularly in managing matches after conceding goals. Despite these issues, he expressed confidence in the squad’s ability to reverse its form, suggesting that further internal discussions and a potential shift in fortune could improve results.

With the Champions League league phase nearing completion, Manchester City’s win at the Bernabeu strengthens their position, but Guardiola’s restrained assessment suggests ongoing challenges. The club’s focus remains on securing a top-eight finish and preparing for the knockout stages. Real Madrid, meanwhile, will aim to address recent performance issues and stabilize their campaign under Alonso.