Man City Not Looking For A Real Revenge – Guardiola1 min read

Since last year’s defeat in Madrid, City have added Erling Haaland (far left) to their ranks and the striker has scored 51 goals this season

Pep Guardiola says it would be a “huge mistake” for Manchester City to look for “revenge” against Real Madrid in their Champions League semi-final.

City boss Guardiola urged his team to use the rematch to prove they can beat the holders and eventually land Europe’s biggest club prize.

“We’re not here for revenge, we’re here for an opportunity,” said Guardiola.

“What happened, happened in the past. It would be a huge mistake to think about that.

“The lesson we learn from last year is not revenge, it is learn about what happened, get a good result, perform well and give the opportunity to leave the tie open in Manchester.”

After a 4-3 victory in the home leg last season, City extended their lead in the Bernabeu when Riyad Mahrez hammered in a 73rd-minute strike.

But two late goals from Madrid substitute Rodrygo dramatically sent the tie into extra time, with Karim Benzema completing an incredible turnaround for Carlo Ancelotti’s side by scoring a 95th-minute penalty.

“I’m not a big fan to talk about experiences as a positive or negative way,” said Guardiola.

“Of course we have the same managers and 80% same players on both sides, but these are completely different games.

“We played exceptional at home, it could not have been better. In Madrid we played – not exceptional – but good. We did everything to reach the final but it is football.”