Pep Guardiola beaten by Real Madrid for a fourth time | OneFootball

Manchester City were beaten by Real Madrid in the Champions League again, Pep Guardiola's fourth loss to the Spanish side and a third in succession in the competition.

According to Superdeporte, the clubs have met in each of the past five seasons, with Real Madrid winning four of those ties to Manchester City's one.

After the final whistle, TV cameras caught a tense exchange with Antonio Rüdiger as Guardiola approached to greet him. Nathan Aké stepped in to separate them, before Álvaro Arbeloa later led the Real Madrid defender away.

Guardiola downplayed the rivalry, saying Jürgen Klopp's Liverpool have posed his greatest challenge, shaped by fierce Premier League battles and titles decided by fine margins.

He added that City have plenty to improve, with talented youngsters involved, and accepted they are not a complete team right now, though they have been before. He said they will prepare well for the remaining matches and will return to the Champions League.

Addressing his future, he insisted he is part of the project, questioned why people want him out, and stressed he has a contract.

Source: Superdeporte