What Man City boss Guardiola told 'unbelievable' Real Madrid star after 2-1 win

Manchester City's 2-1 UEFA Champions League victory against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday kept Guardiola's men on course for automatic qualification for the next round.

Goals from Nico O’Reilly and Erling Haaland secured the win for the Premier League giants, with Brazilian forward Rodrygo netting Real Madrid’s only goal of the encounter.

Despite Rodrygo having a challenging season under manager Xabi Alonso, Guardiola sought him out after the final whistle to express his admiration.

Guardiola said, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano: “I went to Rodrygo, and I told him: what a player you are… he’s really unbelievable.”

The 24-year-old Brazilian international has struggled to find the net consistently this term, and a potential move to the Premier League in the last transfer window did not materialize.

He has made just 2 starts in the past 10 games for Real Madrid, with Alonso preferring other attacking options, a situation that has no bearing on his actual ability.

Meanwhile, Guardiola is a known admirer, and there are suggestions he could return for the winger next summer.

Up next for Manchester City is a trip to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace as they look to continue their Premier League title push, sitting just two points behind current leaders Arsenal.