Guardiola conceded Man City had "not much" chance but refused to rule out a dramatic fightback in the second leg next week.

"It is a bad result, we cannot deny it," Guardiola said.

"The first goal was not well defended and after that the quality they had with Valverde and the other players, it was a difficult result.

"But obviously 3-0 is better than 4-0. We have six days. We will recover, go to West Ham, then with our people we will try."

Asked what chance City had, Guardiola added: "Now, not much but I'm not a guy to say we're not going to try.

"Now it is most difficult (moment) to live but our mindset is we will look (at) what to do better, try to be more active in the final third and we will try."Match report as Federico Valverde's stunning hat-trick led rampant Real Madrid to 3-0 victory over Manchester City; Pep Guardiola's side's Champions League hopes are hanging by a thread ahead of next week's second leg at the Etihad Stadium

Thursday 12 March 2026 09:08, UK

Manchester City concede a third goal to Real Madrid 

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Federico Valverde was the star of the show

Federico Valverde's brilliant first-half hat-trick secured Real Madrid a stunning 3-0 victory over Manchester City, who have a mountain to climb to reach the Champions League quarter-finals.

Real Madrid, who were missing the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo, were distinct second-favourites heading into the game but they produced a clinical opening 45 minutes as Valverde stole the show at the Bernabeu.

Thibaut Courtois's long pass over the head of Nico O'Reilly was exquisitely controlled by Valverde as his first touch took him in on goal. He rounded Gianluigi Donnarumma, who had charged out to the edge of his penalty area, before sliding the ball it home from an extremely tight angle to give the hosts the lead (20).

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The goal had come somewhat against the run of play after what was a fast start from City but Real Madrid took full control of the game when Valverde popped up behind the City defence to latch onto Vinicius Jnr's flicked pass and finish beyond Donnarumma again (27).

Can Manchester City turn it round against Real Madrid? | The Verdict