'It was a tight game' — Pep on 3-0 Bayern win

Guardiola speaks after Champions League victory over Bayern Munich

'It was a tight game' — Pep on 3-0 Bayern win

Faruq Ibrahim 23:20 - 11.04.2023

Pep Guardiola believes his team did not have it all their way, despite soundly beating Bayern Munich.

Despite the heavy scoreline with which his team beat Bayern Munich, Pep Guardiola believes it was a tight game, and the opposition were better than them for huge chunks of the game.  

Manchester City ran away 3-0 winners over the Bavarians in the first-leg of their Champions League encounter.

The match in brief

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Rodri's rocket from outside the box with his weaker foot gave the Cityzens the lead in the game's 27th minute.

In the 70th minute, Bernardo Silva added a second goal by directing a header from an Erling Haaland cross past Yann Sommer.

As John Stones headed the ball into his path, the Norwegian switched roles and scored the third goal, putting the ball in the net from close range.

What Pep said 

Pep explained that his team's defence was the difference on the day, highlighting Bayern's quality, which they managed to control. 

He said the game was tight for an hour, during which Bayern dominated for large parts, but admitted his team went into full control when they grabbed the second goal later in the game.  

He praised his team's mentality and aggression, which he credited for the second goal that swung the tie in his team's favour, saying they defended amazingly. 

"When you are there you realise how good Bayern Munich are as a team,” Pep said, per the BBC.

“It was a tight game for 60 minutes. In a lot of moments, they were better than us but after 65 minutes we got the second goal and that helped us a lot. 

“We made some changes. With the ball we were better and I am happy for the result.

"I lived in Munich for two years, I know the mentality and quality they have. Still a strong game to do.

"We were aggressive, the second goal was for that. We did it, how they defended the back four today was amazing. Looking at their bench, there was always a threat, it is really, really good but there is the second leg to play."

Manchester City will get the chance to finish the job they started next week when they travel to the Allianz Arena for the second-leg.