Dimitar Berbatov believes that there is 'no explanation' for why Manchester City lost to Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Riyad Mahrez had given City what looked to be an unassailable lead in the 73rd minute of the game to make it 5-3 on aggregate. However, two goals in stoppage time from Rodrygo ensured Real sent the match into extra time.
In the first period of extra-time Karim Benzema was fouled in the area to gift Madrid an opportunity to win the game. The Frenchman dusted himself off and dispatched the penalty to break the hearts of City fans.
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Manchester United's former striker Berbatov was at a loss to explain the defeat when he spoke to Betfair. "I don't have an explanation about what happened to Man City against Real Madrid, they reminded me of Bayern Munich in 1999 against Man United," he said.
"It was exactly the same, two goals in the final minutes. If a small team, who don't have that much talent and class concede two goals at the end of the game, we'll say it's because they are a small team with a small mindset and with no winning mentality.
"With it happening to a team like Man City, I don't even know how to find the right words to explain how this team of all teams, with so many winners, can let in two goals after the 90 minutes in a Champions League semi-final. Yes, they were playing Real Madrid and you can argue that they are a big team with big players, but come on, in the last minute of the game.
"They had to be more concentrated and focused, they should know how to hold that result. I don't think it's a mentality issue for City, it's unexplainable.
"Sometimes you have games like this where you have a great team full of talent, class and champions. Unexpectedly they let goals in during the final moment of the game."
Some have been quick to point the finger at Pep Guardiola for City's failings on Wednesday, however Berbatov believes that would be unfair. "Some people will be looking to blame Pep Guardiola, and will say he missed something, he didn't do this and that, but you can't look for a person to blame," he added.
"Lets not forget how much Guardiola has done for City since he came in, yes, Champions League success has avoided them for now, they are so close. They have been to the final but the trophy is still just out of reach for them, I bet this loss against Real Madrid hurts more than the loss in the final against Chelsea."
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