Pep Guardiola stated that he 'could not have asked for anything else' from his Manchester City players, following their thrilling 4-3 first-leg victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals on Tuesday night.
The Citizens raced into a two-goal lead within the first 11 minutes at the Etihad Stadium thanks to strikes from Kevin De Bruyne and Gabriel Jesus, before Karim Benzema netted Real's only real chance in the first half in the 33rd minute.
Seven minutes into the second half, Phil Foden headed home from close range before Los Blancos pulled one back through Vinicius Junior just two minutes later.
The goals kept on coming, as Bernardo Silva restored City's two-goal cushion with a sweet left-footed strike in the 74th minute, but the hosts were pegged back once again with Benzema netting his second of the night from the penalty spot eight minutes from time.
Speaking to BT Sport in his post-match interview, Guardiola praised both sides for their attacking intent, and the Spaniard now has his eyes set on securing another victory against Los Blancos, this time at the Santiago Bernabeu in a week's time.
"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," Guardiola said.
"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 quality of Real Madrid is such they can punish you. What we have done with the ball and without the ball, creating chances and chances and chances I can't ask anything else. I say to the players to rest.
"Leeds now is the most important thing and we go to Madrid to win. Both teams want to attack and have the quality to play. Football is a fantastic spectacle. Congratulations to Carlo [Ancelotti] and his team as they are so good. At the same time, we saw ourselves that we can be there."
Man City will now prepare for their Premier League encounter with Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday, before travelling to the Spanish capital for the second leg against Real Madrid next Wednesday.
Oliver Thomas
