Uefa Champions League, last 16 second leg
Monaco 3 (6) Manchester City 1 (6)
Monaco: Mbappe (8'), Fabinho (29'), Bakayoko (77')
Man City: Sane (71')
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola lamented a dreadful first-half display after crashing out of the Uefa Champions League last 16 on away goals following Wednesday’s 3-1 defeat at Monaco.
Teenage striker Kylian Mbappe and Brazilian midfielder Fabinho struck inside the opening half-hour as Monaco, trailing 5-3 from the first leg, wrested away control of the tie at the Stade Louis II.
Leroy Sane pulled one back on 71 minutes as City regained the lead 6-5 on aggregate, but Tiemoue Bakayoko’s terrific header sent the Premier League side tumbling out of the competition.
“It’s how we were in the first 45 minutes, that is the only sad thing for me,” Guardiola told BT Sport after failing to reach the quarter-finals for the first time as a manager.
“You can play and the opponent can beat you but we were not there. At the right moment, you should be there but we were not.”
Kylian Mbappe celebrates scoring Monaco’s first goal. Eric Gaillard / Reuters
Despite their initial struggles City re-emerged after the break looking far more threatening, but unlike in Manchester three weeks ago they failed to capitalise on their opportunities in the return clash.
“The way we played the first 45 minutes makes it so difficult, but we had the chances in the second half. We had the chances to score a lot of goals and we didn’t, that’s why we’re out,” Guardiola said.
“Normally we play all the time at a good level but at that moment (first half) we didn’t. But it happens and we’ll learn. We have a team with not a lot of experience in these types of competitions.”
Fabinho celebrates scoring Monaco’s second goal. Sebastien Nogier / EPA
While City trail leaders Chelsea by 10 points in the Premier League, Guardiola is still hoping to land silverware in his first season in England with his side drawn against Arsenal in the last four of the FA Cup.
“I think we’ll improve, we’re going to try to improve. At this level sometimes you have to be lucky in the special moments in these competitions,” he said. “We weren’t so that’s why we will prepare for the Premier League, the FA Cup and next season.”
Monaco manager Leonardo Jardim was delighted after his players rectified the costly mistakes they made in Manchester that threatened to undermine their European aspirations.
“After the first leg, I think after watching the match two or three times, the 5-3 scoreline wasn’t fair,” Jardim said.
Leroy Sane scores to put Manchester City ahead in the tie. Michael Steele / Getty Images
“Because we messed up just a couple of small things and today that’s what I am talking about, the need to correct those small details.
“I think after two matches we deserve to have qualified. I’m very happy for all the supporters and for France that we’re going to continue to represent (the country).
“It’s the second time we’re into the quarter-finals, it’s a bit of recognition for our work, the players and the coach.”
Monaco goal hero Bakayoko said the French league leaders deserved to go through to the last eight.
Tiemoue Bakayoko heads home Monaco’s decisive third goal. Valery hache / AFP
“Over the two legs, I think we deserved to qualify as it didn’t happen by luck. We have to continue like this,” he said.
“There has been a lot of effort by the players but the staff as well. Today, we really had a 12th player. We all feel a lot of pride.”
Bakayoko was well-placed to take his goal, sneaking ahead of poor City marking to head in a free-kick 13 minutes from time.
“I took it well and placed it to the side of the keeper. It’s an immense joy to score in the Champions League. It was something that I never expected.”
* Agence France-Presse
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