After Bernardo Silva put us ahead two minutes into the Champions League quarter-final first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu, the home side scored two quickfire goals.
But City maintained the composure with super second half strikes from Phil Foden and Josko Gvardiol firing us back in front before Federico Valverde’s excellent volley levelled the tie again.
Guardiola said it’s impossible to control the 14-time winners of the competition but added that his side would have lost the game in previous campaigns.
“I had the feeling it is a process. This result in the first seasons together we would lose 4-1, 5-1,” he said.
“We were not stable emotionally. And being stable emotionally is so important.
“We have an idea and we believe now in what we want to do but it is impossible to control all the time against Real Madrid. You have to stick it.
“In the first seasons, we would not. Now we are more stable and hopefully in the future we can do better and better.”
REAL MADRID 3-3 CITY | MATCH REPORT
City controlled much of the ball while Madrid offered plenty of threat on the break with the pace of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.
It resulted in another classic encounter between the two sides to set up an enticing second leg at the Etihad on Wednesday, 17 April at 20:00 (UK).
“It was a really good, entertaining game,” Guardiola said. “Two teams that want to attack - in different ways but they want to attack.
“Fantastic goals - all three [of ours] and Valverde’s as well.
“What I love is the way we played the second half when we were 2-1 down. We controlled the game really well.
“It’s Madrid. You can be 3-2 and the game is over - here it is never over.
“One week until our next game in Manchester - it will be sold out and they will help us score one goal.
“We will do the rest. And the team who is best will reach the semi-finals.”
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Despite being in a winning position with 11 minutes remaining, Guardiola challenged a suggestion it was a missed opportunity.
“It’s fine,” he added. “It’s the Bernabeu my friend. You are from England so don’t know what it means in the Bernabeu.
“We lost more balls than usual in the first half but it is Madrid. They have the legs and quality to make the transitions.
“Second half we showed personality. I cannot say more. To score three in Bernabeu is very good.”
