Manchester City suffered yet another frustrating late collapse in their 3-2 loss to Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League knockout clash. Despite leading 2-1 going into the final minutes, City conceded two late goals, handing Madrid a crucial advantage ahead of the second leg. Defender John Stones shared the emotional aftermath of the defeat, revealing that manager Pep Guardiola’s message to the team was one of responsibility and self-reflection.
Stones expressed his frustration with the result, admitting that the team felt anger and disappointment after letting the game slip away. "It’s so raw and frustrating for everyone," Stones said after the match. "We were in control for much of the game, and to concede in such a manner, it’s tough to take as a defender." He noted that City had the perfect opportunity to head into the second leg with a 2-1 advantage, which would have been a significant result for their chances of progressing.
The late goals from former City player Brahim Diaz and Jude Bellingham turned the game on its head, leaving City with a lot to think about heading into the return leg at the Bernabeu. This loss was yet another instance of City letting a lead slip late in the game, a trend they’ve struggled with throughout the season, including against teams like Sporting Lisbon, Brighton, Manchester United, and PSG.
Guardiola’s message to his players after the match was clear: take accountability. Stones reflected on the importance of stepping up as a team and ensuring they learn from such setbacks. "We need to take responsibility for what we do on the pitch," he stated. "We need to step up and handle these tough moments better. It's as simple as that—we have to do better."
Despite the frustration, Stones emphasized the need for a positive mindset, acknowledging that the tie is far from over. "We have to stay positive, even though it’s difficult right now," he said. "We still have the second leg to play, and we know Real Madrid is a team capable of coming back, but we have to learn from our mistakes and be better next time."
Manchester City will face Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday, before traveling to Madrid for the decisive second leg next Wednesday. Guardiola’s men will aim to bounce back and ensure they give themselves the best chance of overturning the deficit.
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