“City were more dominant against Real Madrid” - Barcelona star Ilkay Gundogan shares why former club lost to new rivals
Barcelona midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has revealed why his former club Manchester City lost to Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League. Los Blancos beat City on penalties in the quarterfinals.
The first leg in Madrid ended 3-3 before the second leg at the ended Etihad 1-1. Carlo Ancelotti's side eventully went through on penalties (4-3). Gundogan has said that City were the more dominant side.
However, Los Merengues' know how to get the job done in such games and they never panic. The German told FCB World (via Madrid Zone on X):
"Because football is a game of moments. City were more dominant against Real Madrid. But, in the end, Madrid made the right decisions in the crucial moments.
"What I like about Real Madrid is that never panic, even when they're 1-0 down in the 85th minute. This is a strong mental quality that can defeat any plan."
Barcelona's Gundogan was further asked about Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti's freestyle based approach that bases on individual quality. Gundogan said that he's team Pep Guardiola and prefers sticking to plan.
Ancelotti's plan is certainly working, though, as Madrid ended their season with three trophies. Apart from La Liga and Supecopa de Espana, they also won a record-extending 15th UEFA Champions League title.
Ilkay Gundogan's first season at Barcelona
Ilkay Gundogan joined Barcelona from Manchester City on a free transfer in the summer of 2023. The German instantly became a key player for Xavi's side. He ended his first campaign in Spain with five goals and 14 assists in 51 games across competitions.
Barcelona went trophyless, though. They finished second in La Liga and were beaten in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals by Paris Saint-Germain and have since parted ways with manager Xavi.
They have appointed Hansi Flick, meaning Gundogan and co. will have a different approach next season under the German manager. Flick enjoyed great success at Bayern Munich before a disappointing stint with Germany tea
As for Gundogan, he's now with Die Mannschaft for Euro 2024. He's Germany's captain and an experienced player at the international level. He has made 77 appearances, scoring 18 goals and providing seven assists.
Germany ended their Euro 2024 preparations with a come-from-behind 2-1 win against Greece on June 7. Julian Nagelsmann's side begin their Euro adventure at home against Scotland on June 14. Hungary and Switzerland are the other two teams in Group A.