Guardiola’s side squandered yet another position of strength to concede a first-leg deficit in their Champions League play-off tie

Eyebrows were raised when the starting lineups were announced before Manchester City’s 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid at the Etihad last night. Pep Guardiola named five defenders in his starting lineup for the first leg of the Champions League knockout phase play-off first leg.

John Stones has admitted feelings of "anger and frustration" towards Manchester City's dramatic collapse against Real Madrid. An Erling Haaland penalty put City 2-1 up in Tuesday's Champions League play-off first leg,

On who is to blame for the consistent crumbles, Pep Guardiola was not going to throw anyone under the bus. Errors may have arrived from Rico Lewis and Ederson, but they both shared great moments in the game - particularly the Brazilian goalkeeper, who made several decisive saves.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola admits failing to keep hold of a lead has let them down this season. City lost the first-leg of their Champions League round 16 playoff first-leg to Real Madrid 3-2 last night, having led 2-1 inside the final ten minutes.

Twice the City No 9 scored against Real Madrid but twice his side conceded, with two goals in the final four minutes, including the injury-time winner by Jude Bellingham, clinching a 3-2 win for Carlo Ancelotti ’s men.