- Pep Guardiola was delighted with Manchester City’s win away at Napoli
- City dug in to edge the Italians in a six-goal thriller out in Naples
- Guardiola has hailed Napoli as ‘perhaps the best side I’ve faced in my career’
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was delighted to see his side survive an onslaught from Napoli and leave Naples with a vital three points following a dramatic six-goal thriller.
The two sides, both famed this season for their free-flowing attacking play, did battle at the Stadio San Paolo on Wednesday night in a frenetic Group F clash.
Despite going behind in the tie City were able to turn things around and better Napoli at their own game, much to the delight of Spanish boss Guardiola.
Pep Guardiola was ecstatic to see his side overcome a strong Napoli side and take three points
Guardiola congratulated Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri at full time and admits he loves the club
‘Beating Napoli twice in two weeks is an incredible achievement,’ Guardiola told Mediaset Premium in the aftermath of the clash.
‘They are perhaps the best side I’ve faced in my career.
‘I am so proud because I know the side we beat. I am in love with Napoli, with the way they make short passes and they didn’t give us time to think in the opening 20 minutes. We didn’t have the courage to play,’ Guardiola added.
Goals from Nicolas Otamendi, John Stones, Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling were enough for City to overcome the Italians and qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League.
City matched Napoli’s free-flowing style and emerged victorious in the six-goal thriller
It was a particularly significant night for Sergio Aguero who became City’s all-time top scorer
It was a night of particular significance for Aguero, who with his 69th minute goal became City’s all-time top scoring player.
The Argentine has now surpassed club legend Eric Brook on 178 goals and enters the City history books.
Following the match Aguero vowed to give his match shirt to his young son Benjamin.
The parental gesture means Benjamin – Diego Maradon’s grandson – will receive the shirt from his father’s landmark night that unfolded on the ground where Maradona made himself a Neapolitan icon.