PEP GUARDIOLA revealed he spent ten days devising his tactical masterclass which toppled Real Madrid.
On the day Manchester City lodged an appeal over their two-year European ban, Kevin De Bruyne stroked home a late penalty to seal arguably the greatest result of their nine years in the Champions League.
Pep Guardiola got his tactics spot on against Zinedine Zidane as Man City beat Real MadridCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Guardiola sprung a surprise by leaving out Raheem Sterling, Sergio Aguero and David Silva — while playing De Bruyne as a false nine.
And it worked wonders at the Bernabeu as his men stormed back from a goal down to beat the 13-time winners — City’s first-ever win over Real.
Boss Guardiola stressed: “I have to know my opponents.
“We had ten free days and in those days I watched so many Real Madrid matches. I’m so proud of my players but it’s just the first part.
“If one club can overcome this situation, it’s them — but it’s a good result.”
De Bruyne admitted Guardiola sometimes only lets the players know his tactics just minutes before kick-off.
The Belgian, who also set up Gabriel Jesus’ leveller, said: “In four years with Pep, he sometimes surprises.
“Sometimes players aren’t told until the game what we need to do.
Guardiola deployed Gabriel Jesus as a left winger at the Bernabeu in what proved to be a stroke of geniusCredit: Getty Images – Getty
“There were some good and some lesser moments. In a quality game like this, you’ll struggle sometimes.
“We’re only halfway there. We have an important game at home in three weeks.
“Now we have to recover for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final.”
Guardiola admitted City’s ban for breaching Financial Fair Play rules has been tough for everyone at the club.
He said: “I have to be honest, it’s not easy for our club but, like I said this week, I’m so confident.
“All the team can do is play good and win games. Hopefully the board, the lawyers can convince Uefa we didn’t do wrong things, only nice things.”
Former City target Isco gave Madrid the lead after a defensive mix-up and for a while Guardiola’s men were on the back foot.
But KDB hung up a cross for Jesus to equalise, then slammed home the penalty after sub Sterling was brought down.
There was more good news for City on a dramatic night as Madrid skipper Sergio Ramos saw red for hauling down Jesus late on — and he will miss the return leg on March 17.
Real coach Zidane admitted: “It’s a bad night. We know what we need to do. We are Real Madrid and we can do it.”
Meanwhile, the Court of Arbitration for Sport said there is no timescale on when they will hear City’s appeal.
A CAS statement read: “The Court of Arbitration for Sport has registered an appeal filed by Manchester City against Uefa.
“It is not possible to indicate at this time when a final award in this matter will be issued.”
CAS could uphold or overturn the ban completely — or reduce it to a year instead.
Alternatively, they could send the case back to Uefa and recommend a different punishment, which could be a fine instead.
Noel Gallagher goes mad at the Bernabeu as Man City come from behind to beat Real Madrid
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
