Paul Merson claims Real Madrid are “a million miles behind” Manchester City, despite Carlo Ancelotti’s side winning the Champions League fixture.
The Spanish giants beat City in the aftermath to prepare for a semi-final against Bayern Munich, after drawing 4-4 on aggregate. However, Merson felt it was “pure luck” that Real prevailed, with City holding 68 per cent ownership and 33 per cent. shots in the second stretch.
“Last night’s game was embarrassing,” Merson told Sky Sports. “Manchester City did to Real Madrid what they did to Luton. For everyone who watched that game, it was mind-blowing. It was natural luck that Real overcame City.
“They completely destroyed them. They embarrassed them. It was one of the most one-sided games I’ve ever seen and City simply didn’t have a chance to lose on penalties.
“Real Madrid can’t come out of this game and think they’re a bigger team than Manchester City. They’ve got a million miles on them. “
Merson also warned that the English have struggled in Europe this season due to the competitiveness of the Premier League, with only two issues separating City, Arsenal and Liverpool in the name race.
“The challenge for English teams is the Premier League,” Merson said. “The intensity of our league is off the charts. Let’s start on the more sensible side with Man City, Arsenal and Liverpool.
“They are in one of the name races in the history of the Premier League. It’s a huge name war with two issues separating the three most sensible and demanding a lot from you physically and mentally.
“They’re trying their best week in and week out, but compare that to others in Europe and the positions they have in their leagues. The numbers blow your mind. “
City manager Pep Guardiola insisted after the game that he did not draw.
“I would have to win, of course, but congratulations to Real Madrid, they defended so deeply and with so much solidarity. We probably did everything, I don’t regret it,” he said.
“We played exceptionally well in all areas, but unfortunately we couldn’t win. I have to thank the players in the back of my center for the way they played. But football is about winning and we didn’t do enough, but we were still able to keep going. “
City midfielder Rodri was far from complimentary of Madrid’s performance at the Etihad, saying he “only saw one team” in a bid to win the game.
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