Pep Guardiola hails Man City’s emotional maturity as stars ‘adapt to the chaos’ against Real Madrid with Kevin de Bruyne vomiting pre-match and players unhappy with Santiago Bernabeu pitch

Pep Guardiola claimed that Manchester City’s increased emotional maturity made sure they left the Bernabeu as favourites to reach the Champions League semi-finals.

Real Madrid threatened to run riot after going 2-1 up before City regrouped at half-time in one of the all-time classic European knockout ties.

Guardiola, whose plan was thrown into chaos an hour before kick-off when Kevin De Bruyne fell ill, believes they have learned on the biggest stage and can now deal with setbacks having crumbled in this stadium two years ago.

‘This result or this game in the few three seasons together, we would have lost 4-1 or 5-1,’ Guardiola said.

‘We were not stable emotional. One of the key points in these games is being stable emotionally. It’s fundamental. Hopefully in the future we can do it better and better. We play at home next week and our people will give us a hand, help us to score.’

Real Madrid denied City a famous comeback win in Spain after scoring late in the 3-3 draw

Guardiola revealed that some of his players had complained about the quality of the pitch, while De Bruyne was vomiting inside the City dressing room, with Mateo Kovacic replacing him in the starting XI.

‘One of the secrets at the highest level is adapt quickly to the chaos,’ Guardiola added. 

City players were unhappy with the playing surface at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday

Kevin de Bruyne was an unused substitute as he began being sick in the dressing room pre-match

‘Don’t complain. I remember that Real Madrid always had very good grass, it was like a carpet, but today that was not the case. But I’m sure that they will fix it no doubt about it and no problem.’

Phil Foden sparked into life with a stunning goal, his 21st of the season, before coming off with a dead leg and Real boss Carlo Ancelotti suggested his side were much improved after last year’s chastening defeat by the Treble winners

‘It’s not a fantastic result for us because we wanted to win, but I am satisfied,’ he said. 

‘We played with courage and strong personality and this is what we have to do in Manchester.’