Guardiola left to rue missed opportunities as Manchester City exit Club World Cup
Marcos Leonardo scored twice, including the 112th minute winner, as the Riyadh-based outfit won 4-3 in extra-time in Orlando with the first-half performance of goalkeeper Yassine Bounou proving pivotal in Al-Hilal's win.
"The level in this competition is a World Cup," said Guardiola, who led City to the Club World Cup title in 2023. "The only regret I have is that we allowed them to run a little bit more than expected.
"Against a team that defended so deep, the wingers have been brilliant. The chances that we had in many, many departments. Bounou made a lot of saves and, in the end, you have to score, you have to be clinical."
City had taken a ninth minute lead through Bernardo Silva but a string of saves from Bounou in what remained of the opening 45 minutes kept the Saudis in contention.
Leonardo and Malcom scored inside the first six minutes of the second half to turn the tables on Guardiola's side before Erling Haaland levelled in the 55th minute, taking the game into extra-time.
Kalidou Koulibaly's header put Al-Hilal back in front, only for Phil Foden to equalise again for City, and Leonardo eventually killed off the Premier League side eight minutes from the end of extra-time.
The win takes Al-Hilal through to a quarter-final meeting with Brazil's Fluminense while City return to England.
"We would have loved to continue, it's not easy to be here once every four years," said Guardiola.
"The team still has that feeling, that the team is doing well. But we go home and now it's time to rest, to refresh our minds and come back for next season." Reuters
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Ammon
a day ago
- Ammon
Reaction to death of Liverpool and Portugal player Diogo Jota
Ammon News - Following are quotes and reaction to the death of Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota, 28, in a car crash near Zamora in northwestern Spain on Thursday: LIVERPOOL FOOTBALL CLUB "Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. "The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre. "Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre's family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss. "We will continue to provide them with our full support." PORTUGAL PRIME MINISTER LUIS MONTENEGRO "The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honoured Portugal's name, and his brother is unexpected and tragic. I extend my deepest condolences to their family. It is a sad day for football and for national and international sports." PORTUGAL AND AL-NASSR PLAYER CRISTIANO RONALDO "It doesn't make sense. We were together just recently in the national team, and you just got married. "To your family, your wife and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you'll always be with them. Rest in peace, Diogo and Andre. We'll all miss you." FORMER LIVERPOOL CAPTAIN STEVEN GERRARD "RIP Diogo. Condolences to his family and friends during this incredibly sad time." LA LAKERS PLAYER AND LIVERPOOL MINORITY OWNER LEBRON JAMES "My prayers goes out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA JOTA!!" 22-TIMES TENNIS GRAND SLAM CHAMPION RAFA NADAL "What sad and painful news. All my love, affection and support go out to his wife, children, family and friends at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Diogo Jota and Andre Silva." PREMIER LEAGUE "Everyone at the Premier League is shocked and devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre. Our sincerest condolences go to Diogo's family, friends, Liverpool FC, and all their supporters at this heartbreaking time. "Football has lost a champion who will be forever missed. We will continue to support our friends and colleagues at the club." PORTUGUESE FOOTBALL FEDERATION "The Portuguese Football Federation and the entire Portuguese football community are devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva in Spain this morning. Oh, he's hit it well. "Diogo Jota was not only a fantastic player with almost 50 caps for the national team, but also an extraordinary person who was respected by all his teammates and opponents. He had a contagious joy and was a reference point in his own community... "We have lost two champions. Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy every day." WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS "We are heartbroken. Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his teammates and cherished by everyone who worked with him during his time at Wolves. "The memories he created will never be forgotten. Our hearts go out to the family, friends and loved ones of Diogo and his brother, Andre. You will be truly missed, and always remembered." FORMER LIVERPOOL PLAYER JAMIE CARRAGHER "Devastating news about Diogo Jota & his brother Andre this morning. Thoughts are with everyone of their family & friends, especially his wife Rute & their three lovely kids." PORTUGAL AND AL-HILAL MIDFIELDER RUBEN NEVES "They say that we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you." EUROPEAN SOCCER GOVERNING BODY UEFA "On behalf of the European football community, we are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota, Portugal international and Liverpool FC forward, along with his brother Andre Silva. "Our thoughts are with their family, friends, teammates and all those affected by this heartbreaking loss." LIVERPOOL PLAYER STEFAN BAJCETIC "You will be remembered my friend." FC PORTO "FC Porto is in mourning. "It is with shock and deep regret that we send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who was also our athlete in the youth ranks. "Rest in peace." Reuters
Roya News
a day ago
- Roya News
Liverpool's Diogo Jota dies in car crash with brother, 10 days after wedding
Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota, 28, has died in a car crash in Spain, just ten days after his wedding. The accident occurred early Thursday morning near the town of Palacios de Sanabria, along the A-52 highway in northwestern Spain. Jota's younger brother, André, 26, was also killed. Spanish police said the Lamborghini they were driving veered off the road around 12:30 AM. Since joining Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020, Jota became a key player for the Premier League club, scoring 47 goals in 123 appearances and contributing to the team's title-winning season. He also represented Portugal 49 times, scoring 14 goals for the national team. Before moving to England, Jota started his professional career in Portugal and had a brief stint with Atlético Madrid in Spain. His brother André played for Penafiel, a club in Portugal's second division. Liverpool FC released a statement Thursday saying the club was "devastated" by the news: 'The club has been informed that the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.
Ammon
2 days ago
- Ammon
Leverkusen sign defender Quansah from Liverpool
Ammon News - Bayer Leverkusen have signed England Under-21 international Jarell Quansah from Premier League club Liverpool on a five-year contract, the Bundesliga club said on Wednesday. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed, but British media reported that Leverkusen would pay up to 35 million pounds ($47.92 million), including five million pounds in potential add-ons. Get weekly news and analysis on U.S. politics and how it matters to the world with the Reuters Politics U.S. newsletter. Sign up here. The 22-year-old defender, a product of Liverpool's academy, made his senior debut in the 2023-24 season and went on to make 58 appearances in all competitions for the Merseyside outfit. Quansah was part of the England squad which won the Under-21 European Championship this year under Lee Carsley. "We are delighted to have signed Jarell Quansah, one of England's most promising centre-backs. He's quick, agile and a good footballer," Leverkusen's Sporting Director Simon Rolfes said in a statement. Leverkusen, who finished second to Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, appointed former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag as their head coach in May, replacing Xabi Alonso who left to join Real Madrid. They sold Dutch right back Jeremie Frimpong and German international Florian Wirtz to Liverpool, with the latter departing last month for a fee of 100 million pounds and a further maximum of 16 million pounds in potential bonuses. Reuters
