Pep Guardiola criticises Real Madrid penalty decision against Manchester City | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has criticised the decision to award Real Madrid a penalty during the second-half of Los Blancos’ 3-0 win on Wednesday night.

City’s Champions League ambitions were dealt a severe blow through a demoralising 3–0 defeat to Real Madrid at the Bernabéu, defined by an extraordinary 22-minute hat-trick from Federico Valverde.

Despite Manchester City’s early attacking intent, they were repeatedly caught out by long balls and rapid transitions from the hosts, leaving Pep Guardiola’s side with a massive mountain to climb for the return leg at the Etihad Stadium on March 17.

Donnarumma: From Bernabéu Scapegoat to City’s Second-Leg Lifeline

Gianluigi Donnarumma endured a polarising night in the Spanish capital, initially coming under fire for his role in the opening goal after being rounded by Valverde. However, the Italian emerged as City’s potential saviour in the second half, after conceding a penalty for a foul on Vinícius Júnior to then save the Brazilian’s spot-kick.

This vital intervention prevented a catastrophic 4–0 scoreline and ensured that while the deficit is severe, the tie remains mathematically alive for Pep Guardiola and his Manchester City squad.

“He Touched the Ball”: Guardiola Slams Madrid Penalty

Speaking to reporters on Friday afternoon, the Catalan manager insisted that Real Madrid should never have been awarded a penalty against City, with Donnarumma ‘touching the ball’ during the action.

“Even the second-half, we started really well, conceded a penalty; I’m sorry, it was not because Gigio [Donnarumma] touched the ball,” Guardiola insisted whilst speaking on the positive nature of some elements of his side’s performance.

City next face a critical Premier League recovery mission on Saturday, as they travel to the London Stadium to face West Ham. With leaders Arsenal currently seven points clear at the top, Pep Guardiola’s side cannot afford any further slip-ups.

A victory against Nuno Espírito Santo’s relegation-threatened Hammers is essential to maintain pressure on the Gunners and rebuild confidence following the midweek European setback.

Rotation at the London Stadium? Reijnders and Cherki in Contention

The 8:00 PM kick-off serves as the intermediate domestic hurdle before the high-stakes Champions League second leg against Real Madrid on Tuesday night. Given the gruelling nature of the 3–0 defeat in Spain, some fans believe Guardiola should rotate his squad, potentially handing starts to Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki.

Securing three points in East London would not only maintain pressure on Arsenal following their clash with Everton earlier on the same evening, but also provide the necessary momentum for Manchester City to attempt a historic continental comeback.