Manchester City Champions League exit: Pep Guardiola sets unwanted record against Real Madrid

Manchester City suffered their 13th defeat of the season across all competitions against Real Madrid on Wednesday evening, which is the most Pep Guardiola has ever been beaten in a single campaign in his managerial career.

City were defeated 3-1 by Real Madrid at the Bernabeu and limped out of the Champions League, losing 6-3 over two legs.

The English champions' only hope of silverware is the FA Cup given they trail Premier League leaders Liverpool by 17 points, but are at risk of missing out on top four entirely.

City's elimination from the competition was the first time that Guardiola has failed to reach the Champions League round of 16, and it was also the 13th defeat he has suffered in 2024-25.

With Liverpool set to travel to the Etihad on Sunday, it would not be surprising if Guardiola experienced more losses between now and the end of the season.

© Imago

Can City salvage their campaign?

Defender Manuel Akanji has been ruled out for a number of weeks after sustaining a muscle injury, and John Stones was also forced off due to an injury against Real Madrid on Wednesday.

Their injuries have shrunk an already small squad even further, and while the Citizens do not have a busy schedule, their absences could prove detrimental in the race to secure Champions League football.

City are currently fourth in the Premier League with 44 points, but only five points separate them from ninth-placed Aston Villa.

The champions are also set to take on Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest in their next three league matches, and it would be remarkable if they collected maximum points in that period.

However, it is important to remember that Guardiola has won six Premier League titles, four EFL Cups, two FA Cups and one Champions League title during his time in Manchester, and it would be premature to write off his chances of adding to his collection.

City are set to take on Championship side Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup fifth round on March 1, and they will undoubtedly be seen as strong favourites to progress to the quarter-finals.

Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal have already been eliminated from the FA Cup, and having beaten Newcastle United 4-0 in the league on February 15, there is every chance that City could come out on top in this season's competition.