City no longer extraordinary, says Guardiola

Pep Guardiola admitted Manchester City are no longer the extraordinary force they once were after their humbling exit from the Champions League, with a 6-3 aggregate defeat to Real Madrid in the knockout stage.

Kylian Mbappé's hat-trick sealed Madrid's 3-1 second-leg win at the Santiago Bernabéu on 19 february, following their 3-2 triumph in Manchester. The result deepened City's woes in a season where they sit fourth in the Premier League, 17 points adrift of leaders Liverpool.

"We have been extraordinarily extraordinary in the past, but not any more," Guardiola told reporters after the match. "It's easy to jump to conclusions now, but we'll have time to reflect. The defeat at home was hard to swallow, and this one is even harder. But Real Madrid are a top side, and we know that. In time, we'll accept it."

Guardiola stressed the need to focus on the remainder of the campaign. "There are still 14 games left. We'll approach them properly, concentrate on the Premier League and the FA Cup, and try to be back in this competition next season."

Haaland absence felt

City were without Erling Haaland, who picked up a knee injury against Newcastle United.

"Erling tried to train yesterday, but he was really struggling," Guardiola revealed. "It hurt him to walk, even to go up and down stairs. This morning, he told me he wasn't ready. The plan was to fight for a better result than in Manchester, but in his condition, it wasn't worth the risk."

Guardiola praised Madrid's performance, admitting his side had no answer to Mbappé's brilliance.

"We couldn't stop him, and the better team won. Madrid deserved it. We've done well in past seasons, but this year we're falling short. The Bernabéu demands physicality, and they've stepped up—they press higher, run more, and stay dynamic. There's nothing more to say. Accept it and move on."