DBasia.news – Tottenham Hotspur ended Manchester City’s trip in the 2018-19 Champions League quarter-finals. City’s manager Pep Guardiola has a hard time accepting that fact. However, he still congratulated Tottenham.
Drama took place in the Champions League quarter-final second leg at Etihad Stadium on Thursday (18/4) early morning Western Indonesian Time. How not, seven goals were created at the headquarters of The Citizens with the final result 4-3 for the victory of the host.
Four City goals were scored by Raheem Sterling’s two goals, Bernardo Silva, and Sergio Aguero, while three goals from Spurs were scored by Son Heung-min’s two goals and Fernando Llorente. Despite losing, Spurs still escaped because of the aggressiveness of 4-4 away goals after winning 1-0 in the first leg through a goal scored by Son.
Man City should have had the chance to qualify via a hat-trick by Sterling at the end of the match, however, his goal was disallowed by VAR (Video Assistant Referee) because the provider of assists, Aguero, was declared offside. Guardiola can only accept the bitter reality.
“This is cruel, but like that, and we have to accept it. After 20 minutes, we lead 3-2. In the second half, we created many opportunities and scored the goals we needed. Unfortunately, this ended badly for us, so congratulations for Tottenham and good luck in the semifinals,” Guardiola said on the official UEFA website.
“This match is entertaining for everyone. Score 3-2 in 20 minutes. In the second half, we did everything. We created a lot of opportunities. However, mistakes in this competition will give you a heavy penalty,” he explained.
Nevertheless, Guardiola still appreciates with the high fighting spirit and playing from his foster children in the Champions League this season. Although a trophy in quadruple ambition (four titles a season) lost with the defeat.
“What we did in these two seasons is incredible. I am very proud of the players and fans. I have never heard such cheers since I was in Manchester, but football is unpredictable,” added Guardiola.
Man City will now focus on chasing two trophies left in the Premier League and an FA Cup final against Watford. While Tottenham Hotspur will face the team that got rid of Real Madrid and Juventus, Ajax Amsterdam, in the Champions League semifinals – Spurs’ first semi-final since 1962.