On the evening of 11/3 at the Bernabeu, Man City disappointed with a stagnant performance, managing only 7 shots and failing to create any clear chances, with an expected goals (xG) rating of just 0,56. The match was effectively decided in the first half, as the Premier League representative allowed Federico Valverde to score three goals.

Commenting on CBS, Carragher suggested that Guardiola might leave Man City at the end of the season and questioned the Spanish manager's legacy at the Etihad Stadium. Since 2016 under Guardiola, Man City has dominated English football, securing 6 Premier League titles, two FA Cups, 4 League Cups, and three Community Shields. However, they have only won one Champions League, in 2023.

"Perhaps this will be Guardiola's final season at Man City, and it will be very difficult to turn the situation around against Real. How long has he been here, nine or 10 years? Only one Champions League, I think they will be disappointed," Carragher said.

Manager Pep Guardiola looked disappointed during Man City's 0-3 loss to Real in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 at the Bernabeu in Madrid, Spain, on 11/3. Photo: PA Wire

According to the former English center-back, Man City's journey in European competitions over the years has not been truly convincing. The 48-year-old former defender recalled notable failures for the team, including losing to Lyon in the quarterfinals in 2020 and to Chelsea in the final in 2021. He also emphasized that the current Real team is not the strongest version Man City has ever faced, especially given that key players like Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham were all absent from the first leg.

Also on CBS, commentator Mike Grella was pessimistic about Man City's chances of a comeback in the second leg at the Etihad Stadium on 17/3. "If this were the Man City of three or four years ago, I would say the tie is still open. But the current Man City has no chance," he stated.

Grella pointed out several issues with the team: "They couldn't manage a single shot in the second half, their defense was unstable, and the midfield looked like a group that had never played together. Man City couldn't prevent defensive errors, while Real possessed too much talent."

Meanwhile, Jeremy Doku asserted that Man City had not given up hope. "It would be crazy to say that we no longer have a chance. Real scored three goals, so why can't we do the same?" the Belgian forward said.

Man City previously defeated Real 4-0 at the Etihad Stadium in the 2023 semifinals, on their way to winning the Champions League for the first time in their history. According to Doku, the atmosphere at the Etihad and the support from the home crowd could make a difference in the second leg.

"If the fans are behind us, it will be a completely different game. We need them to create pressure and provide motivation. The support from the stands has a huge impact on the players on the field," the 23-year-old player emphasized.

By Hong Duy (according to Mundo Deportivo, ESPN)