Pep Guardiola will be looking to summon the spirit of 2019 against Newcastle United on Sunday after Manchester City suffered more Champions League heartbreak.
In the away dressing room at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night, the players and staff must have been sat across from each other wondering what it would actually take for them to get their hands on Europe’s elite crown. From beating a star-studded Paris Saint-Germain side at the Etihad Stadium to showing immense character in their progression past a tough Atletico Madrid side, this Champions League run had it all.
City were showing different ways to win. Guardiola's men displayed grit and determination to finally bring home the trophy that has eluded them for so long – but that was snatched away from them in two mad stoppage-time minutes. Rodrygo’s brace felt like the dagger blow, but Karim Benzema’s extra-time penalty twisted it into the hearts of the City team when they were – this time - unable to recover.
