Pep Guardiola is a name that has caused Real Madrid fans to feel frustration and anger for many years. As one of the most successful and famous managers in the world of football, Guardiola’s presence at the Santiago Bernabeu, especially as the manager of FC Barcelona and later Manchester City, has often sparked emotions among Real Madrid supporters. His teams have posed significant challenges to Real Madrid in various competitions, making him one of the most disliked figures in the Spanish capital. His record of success against the club has added fuel to the fire of Madrid fans’ animosity toward him.
When Guardiola spoke ahead of the Champions League knockout tie between Real Madrid and Manchester City, claiming that his team only had a 1% chance of progressing, very few took him seriously. For many fans, this statement seemed more like an attempt to downplay his team’s chances and deflect pressure. But for those who know the history of Guardiola and his approach to managing teams, there was a sense that the challenge he posed to Real Madrid in the Champions League could not be dismissed lightly.
Over the years, Guardiola has managed to secure victories against Real Madrid, which is not an easy feat, considering the club’s dominance in European competitions. Guardiola’s impressive record against the Los Blancos speaks volumes about his ability as a coach. Having faced Real Madrid 26 times, Guardiola has managed to win half of those encounters, an achievement few managers can boast of. Real Madrid is a club with a rich history and a long-standing tradition of excellence, particularly in European tournaments, but Guardiola has still managed to get the better of them on many occasions.
It is no surprise that his words about Manchester City’s slim chances against Real Madrid were not taken seriously by the Madrid supporters. They had witnessed firsthand his ability to challenge them in various competitions. Guardiola’s reputation as a formidable manager had already made him a figure of disdain among many Madridistas. His success with Barcelona, which included winning numerous La Liga titles and Champions League trophies, had already made him an enemy in the eyes of Madrid fans. The idea that Guardiola would now manage to eliminate Real Madrid from the Champions League seemed too improbable to even consider.
However, in this particular tie, Guardiola’s statement began to take on a different meaning. The return leg of the Champions League knockout tie at the Santiago Bernabeu became an unforgettable moment for both teams. Real Madrid, as they so often do, delivered a masterclass performance in European competition, thoroughly outclassing Manchester City. The match resulted in an embarrassing defeat for Manchester City, leaving the fans and pundits alike shocked by the nature of the loss.
City’s poor form could not have come at a worse time for Guardiola. With key players such as Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne sidelined due to injuries, Manchester City were severely weakened. They had little to offer in response to Real Madrid’s relentless attacking style, and the result reflected their lack of cohesion and inability to cope with Madrid’s pressure. The Bernabeu, known for its electrifying atmosphere during big European nights, became a cauldron of celebration as the home crowd reveled in the victory.
Real Madrid supporters were quick to mock Guardiola as the final whistle blew. The fact that Guardiola had once been a Barcelona legend added to the satisfaction Madrid fans felt during the match. They had witnessed their team completely outplay Guardiola’s Manchester City, and the occasion was made even sweeter by the fact that it was Guardiola who was on the receiving end of such humiliation. The chants that echoed through the stands of the Santiago Bernabeu made it clear that the Madrid fans were in no mood to be subtle about their mockery.
As the players walked off the pitch, the chants rang out, “Guardiola stay! Guardiola stay! Guardiola stay!” It was a sarcastic chant aimed at the man who had just seen his team suffer a heavy defeat. The irony of the chant was not lost on anyone. After such a humiliating defeat, one would have expected the fans to show some restraint, but instead, they continued to taunt Guardiola. It was a moment of triumph for Real Madrid and their supporters, who had long seen Guardiola as a source of frustration.
However, despite the mockery and the jeers from the crowd, Guardiola likely paid little attention to the chants. As a seasoned manager, he would have been focused on the mistakes his team made during the match. He would have been analyzing the shortcomings of his players and considering how to regroup and improve in the future. Guardiola’s focus would have been on making sure that Manchester City learned from their mistakes and prepared for the next challenge, rather than engaging with the noise coming from the stands.
As Real Madrid continued to celebrate their victory, attention quickly shifted to the next stage of the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League. Having secured a thrilling win over Manchester City, Real Madrid remained in contention for their sixteenth Champions League title. With the draw for the next stage of the competition scheduled to take place soon, Carlo Ancelotti and his team were looking ahead with optimism, knowing that they had the potential to go far in the tournament.
The group stage had not been without its difficulties. Real Madrid faced some tough challenges and had to fight hard to secure their qualification. But despite the setbacks, their resilience, especially in the second leg against Manchester City, had put them in a strong position for the knockout rounds. Real Madrid’s history in European competitions meant that they could not afford to underestimate any of their potential opponents, and they knew that the road to the Champions League final would be filled with tough challenges.
Two possible opponents had already been identified for Real Madrid in the next round: Bayer Leverkusen and Atletico Madrid. Both teams presented different challenges, but both would be formidable opponents for the Spanish giants.
Bayer Leverkusen, under the management of Xabi Alonso, had been one of the biggest surprises in European football last season. The German side had performed admirably in the group stages and had continued to impress in the current season. Leverkusen had become a strong force in German football, consistently competing with the likes of Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga. Their attacking style and well-structured gameplay made them a dangerous team, and facing them in the Champions League would test Real Madrid’s strength and ability to perform under pressure.
On the other hand, Atletico Madrid represented a different kind of challenge. A Madrid derby in the Champions League was always a high-stakes affair, filled with drama and intensity. Atletico had been consistent in the group stage and had shown that they were capable of going deep into the competition. Diego Simeone’s side was known for its defensive resilience, tactical discipline, and ability to grind out results, which made them a tough opponent for any team. The rivalry between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid had already produced several memorable moments in European competitions, especially in the finals of 2014 and 2016. If the two teams were to meet in the Champions League once again, it would add another chapter to their fierce rivalry.
This season, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid had faced each other twice in La Liga, and neither team had been able to claim a victory. Their first meeting at the Metropolitano ended in a draw, and just two weeks ago, at the Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid managed to salvage a point thanks to a crucial goal from Kylian Mbappe. With neither team able to assert dominance in their domestic meetings, a potential clash in the Champions League would add a new level of excitement and anticipation to their rivalry.
As the Champions League draw loomed, the excitement around the potential matchups continued to grow. Whether it was Bayer Leverkusen or Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid knew that they would have to bring their best to continue their pursuit of European glory.
