Pablo Zabaleta claims Man City reaction to Champions League exit shows clear progress

Manchester City hero Pablo Zabaleta has praised the club's reaction to their heartbreaking Champions League exit at the hands of Real Madrid, arguing it shows they remain on course to achieve European success in the coming years.

City were moments away from reaching a second successive Champions League final, but conceded two late goals to force extra time and were beaten by Karim Benzema's penalty. The collapse has attracted plenty of criticism, but the Blues know they can make up for it somewhat by winning the Premier League this weekend.

And after the Madrid disappointment, Zabaleta says the reaction from City fans showed why the club will be ready to challenge for the Champions League again next season.

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Speaking to Infobae, Zabaleta said: “I think that last weekend, at the City of Manchester Stadium against Newcastle, you could see the reaction of the fans. The team had just lost at the Bernabeu, and the fans were completely behind the team and the manager.

“I think the people at Manchester City are happy to see the team dominating English football, and there wasn’t even any criticism from the owners of the squad for the Champions League elimination. I think they will continue to bet on winning it in the future with big signings.

"We all trust in the planning, in growing with the project with confidence and continuity. If the fans look back, 12 years ago, a moment like this would have been unthinkable.”

Zabaleta also opened up on his recent move into commentary and punditry, where he has been working for ESPN in the US. Describing his new challenge, the former full-back said: "It is, without a doubt, a new experience.

"What I