Pep Guardiola
Gabriel Jesus was the key reason behind Manchester City’s Champions League triumph over Real Madrid, according to manager Pep Guardiola.
The Brazilian striker had a hand in all four goals as City beat the Spanish giants 4-2 on aggregate, scoring one and making one in the 2-1 win at the Etihad Stadium on Friday.
“I think Gabriel was the man of these two games,” Guardiola said.
After knocking out Madrid, Man City’s rotten Champions League luck has turned
“He scored in Madrid, he provoked the penalty and today made an assist and scored. He was so decisive for us. He helped the team for the way we fought and suffered in the bad moments.”
Victory over 13-times winners Real Madrid means City progress to the mini tournament in Portugal next week.
They will face Lyon in the quarterfinals after the Ligue 1 side edged out Juventus on away goals but Guardiola dismissed the suggestion his team are now favourites to lift the Champions League for the first time.
“Gabriel Jesus played a part in all four of Man City’s goals over the two legs,” Guardiola added.