Pep Guardiola downplays Real Madrid rivalry, says Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool were his main rivals | OneFootball

After Manchester City's Champions League exit to Real Madrid on Tuesday, Pep Guardiola played down the idea that the Spanish club are his biggest rivals, instead pointing to Jürgen Klopp's Liverpool, according to L'Équipe.

Madrid won 2-1 on Tuesday to eliminate City in the round of 16.

The clubs have met 13 times in the Champions League since 2020. Each has five wins in regulation, but Madrid have won four of the six two-legged ties, including two decided by penalties.

Addressing a Spanish journalist, Guardiola suggested those in Spain had not fully appreciated how intense his battle with Liverpool had been during his years in England.

Across his career he has faced Real 30 times, recording 14 wins, six draws and 10 defeats. Despite that positive ledger, his Manchester City sides have been knocked out of the Champions League by Madrid in 2022, 2024, 2025 and 2026.

Source: L'Équipe