Manchester City, after conceding a goal, secured a 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in a crucial sixth-round match of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League, thanks to goals from Nico Aureli and Erling Haaland. Guardiola stated after the match that his team must perform at an even higher level if they want to go further in the Champions League.

In the 28th minute, Rodrygo received a pass from Bellingham and slotted the ball home, giving Real Madrid a 1-0 lead. In the 35th minute, Rajan Sergiu took a corner, and Gwadiol headed the ball towards goal. Real Madrid goalkeeper Courtois attempted to intercept but fumbled the ball, and Nico Aureli followed up to score, leveling the score at 1-1 for Manchester City.

In the 42nd minute, Nico Aureli chipped a pass into the penalty area, where Haaland was tackled by Rüdiger while attempting to receive the pass. After VAR intervention, Manchester City were awarded a penalty. Haaland then converted the penalty, giving Manchester City a 2-1 lead.

Manchester City ultimately defeated Real Madrid 2-1 away from home.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said, "Before we scored, the opposition was better than us. We couldn't control them, while we tried to control possession but weren't aggressive enough. Every time we lost possession, they punished us, especially Rodrygo, who put us on the back foot many times."

“But we played much better in the second half. The earlier goal was crucial and helped us regain our form. Doku played exceptionally well, and it was a very important experience for many players who were playing in this stadium for the first time. Everyone feels the pressure here, but it will also be a valuable lesson for the future.”

In addition, Guardiola said, "Winning at the Bernabéu is a huge challenge, especially in the Champions League, but please don't get me wrong. Also, if we advance smoothly in February or March next year, we will have to perform even better than we did today in order to reach the semi-finals and the final, because today's level is far from enough."

“There are many places where the team has performed very well, and I am proud of the players’ hard work, commitment and fighting spirit. They run and give their all throughout the game. Playing in this stadium, and in places like Anfield, Paris, Dortmund, Arsenal and Barcelona, we all know the team will get better, that’s for sure.”

Guardiola added, "There are five to seven players in the team who are here for the first time, and we have to experience this kind of game. Experiencing victory will help us."