Seeking Champions League revenge towards Real Madrid can be a grave error by Manchester City, Pep Guardiola claimed on Monday forward of their semi-final showdown. The City coach stated his crew would attempt to capitalise on an “opportunity” as a substitute of aiming to make Carlo Ancelotti’s reigning champions pay for eliminating them on the similar stage final season. The former Barcelona participant and supervisor was at odds with City’s defensive midfielder Rodri, who stated the crew had been hungry for revenge towards the report 14-time winners on Tuesday on the Santiago Bernabeu.

“It will be a huge mistake, we’re not here for revenge, just an opportunity,” Guardiola informed a information convention.

“Last season we did everything, more than everything to reach the final, but (in) football… it’s not enough.”

City have by no means lifted the trophy however Madrid have triumphed 5 instances within the final 9 seasons.

Guardiola’s aspect beat Madrid 4-3 within the first leg final season and led by a objective within the return, till two late Rodrygo Goes strikes compelled extra-time.

Karim Benzema scored a penalty within the extra interval to ship Madrid by to the Paris last, the place they beat Liverpool.

“I think we did 180 minutes brilliantly but it’s not enough sometimes, you can lose the leg in five minutes,” stated Spanish midfielder Rodri.

“You have to kill the opponent when you can. We’ve learnt from the past but I don’t like to talk about the past.

“We’ve learnt loads, it is one other 12 months, one other objective, with the starvation of getting revenge.”

Guardiola did agree with Rodri that City played well over both ties last season, despite their eventual elimination.

“We had an distinctive first recreation in Manchester, we did a extremely good recreation right here,” said Guardiola.

“All we will do is congratulate them and transfer ahead. One 12 months later, we’re right here.”

The coach said he thought his side would one day triumph in Europe, after disappointment in the 2021 final, where they were beaten by Chelsea.

Guardiola praised his club’s stability, in contrast to other sides who triumph but then fall away in subsequent years.

City have reached at least the last eight in each of the past six seasons.

“One day we’ll attain the ultimate and we’ll win it,” said Guardiola.

“I would not wish to win the Champions League after which go down and down and down.

“Being stable is the most important things as a club, Madrid are an example.”

Despite his historic rivalry with Los Blancos, which grew to a bitter peak throughout Jose Mourinho’s time accountable for Madrid between 2010-13, Guardiola acknowledged their achievements in Europe.

“To win this competition you have to beat the best team, and Madrid are the best team in this competition in the last decade,” he added.

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