Guardiola Wants Manchester City To Be Better Than When They Win Against Real Madrid

JAKARTA - Pep Guardiola said Manchester City must improve their performance if they want to win the Champions League this season even though they managed to give Real Madrid defeat.

The Citizens came from behind to win 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu on Thursday, December 11, 2025, early morning WIB, increasing pressure on Real Madrid Manager, Xabi Alonso.

This result feels like an important statement for Guardiola's team - who have not won at Real Madrid since 2020.

However, the Spaniard said after the game that he needed to see more to believe his troops were true competitors to lift the Champions League trophy.

"We're not ready yet, we're playing at home to the opponent. In February 2025, we'll be better. A game like this, we've been here before and played better, but lost."

"The players have tried hard, but we still need to improve a lot. I accept it, but I know the reality is that in the final stages we have to play better," said Guardiola.

At least, the victory over Real Madrid - which was achieved thanks to Nico O'Reliance's goal and Erling Haaland's penalty - brought Manchester City up to fourth in the Champions League standings.

They are now in a good position to finish in the top eight and avoid the playoffs to reach the round of 16, with two remaining matches against Bodo/Glimt and Galatasaray in January 2026.

"It's very difficult here. Four or five players are playing for the first time here. To win here, we have to be happy especially in terms of points."

"We have 13 points and it's in our hands to finish in the top eight. That's the target. Winning here (the Real Madrid midfielder) after (Bayer) Leverkusen is a good thing," said Guardiola.