‘Fantastic spectacle’ – Guardiola hails Ancelotti, Madrid after CL classic

Man City boss Pep Guardiola is intent on finishing the job in Spain after his side beat Real Madrid 4-3 in their Champions League semi-final first leg.

Kevin De Bruyne, Gabriel Jesus, Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva were on target for the Premier League champions in a magnificent European clash.

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Karim Benzema continued his terrific form with a brace – including a panenka from the penalty spot – with Vinicius Junior also on the scoresheet.

It was an end-to-end match that was superb for the neutral fan. Guardiola was appreciative of the performance from both City and Madrid, saying that “football is a fantastic spectacle”.

Guardiola told BT Sport: “It was a fantastic game for both sides. We did many good things. Unfortunately we conceded goals and we could not score more. But two games and we have another one in one week.

“We played a fantastic game against an incredible team. The moments where they rise and come back into the game in the first half I think we gave them as our build-up was so nervous. Normally we are so safe and so good. Also, they press really good and strong.

“All around the world and for Manchester City, we are so proud. But it is about reaching the final and sometimes football happens. We go to Madrid to try to win the game.

The match brought out every emotion from Pep #UCL pic.twitter.com/9eKCavB0aw

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 26, 2022

“We went out of the Champions League to Tottenham when Llorente with the hand. Today it is a hand for Laporte. It happens. All we can do is perform as we perform.

“The quality of Real Madrid is such they can punish you. What we have done with the ball and without the ball, creating chances and