Pep Guardiola has promised to thank Jose Mourinho after Benfica’s dramatic 4-2 win over Real Madrid allowed Manchester City to secure a crucial top-eight finish in the Champions League.
Pep Guardiola will reach out to Jose Mourinho after Benfica’s stunning stoppage-time victory inadvertently saved Manchester City from a difficult play-off tie.
While City defeated Galatasaray 2-0, their automatic qualification relied on Real Madrid losing.
Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin’s historic late header secured a 4-2 result that silenced Madrid and kept Guardiola’s side in the top eight, providing much-needed rest for his injured squad.
The City manager admitted the dressing room was confused when Trubin went forward for the final set piece. Guardiola remarked, “It was a good strategy for Jose.”
Mourinho, whose side also qualified, celebrated the “historic goal” that knocked Real Madrid into the play-offs.
Bernardo Silva highlighted the benefit of avoiding extra fixtures, stating, “to have those two full weeks to prepare… is going to be really good.”