Barcelona have lodged a formal complaint with UEFA after they were denied a penalty against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, with Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford supporting their protest

Barcelona have submitted a formal complaint to UEFA after being refused a penalty against Atletico Madrid. Barca, already down to 10 men following Pau Cubarsi’s dismissal, called for a spot kick after Atletico defender Marc Pubill handled the ball inside the penalty area.

The incident took place during a goal kick in the 54th minute, and Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford has backed Barca over their frustrations. Atletico’s goalkeeper, Juan Musso, played the ball to the already yellow-carded Pubill, who controlled it with his hand, apparently believing the ball was not in play.

Barcelona’s players instantly protested for a penalty, but neither on-field referee Istvan Kovacs nor the VAR awarded one, and play resumed from Pubill’s pass back to Musso. A comparable incident happened in last season’s Champions League when Club Brugge were awarded a penalty against Aston Villa after Tyrone Mings was deemed to have handled the ball.

Yet no such ruling was made on this occasion and Barca, who suffered a 2-0 home defeat, have been left incensed. In a statement released on Thursday, the La Liga heavyweights said: “FC Barcelona announces that, today, the club’s legal department has filed a formal complaint with UEFA regarding the events that occurred in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Atletico de Madrid.

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“The club believes that the referee’s performance was contrary to the regulations in force, directly impacting the course of the match and its outcome. The complaint focuses on a specific incident. In the 54th minute of the match, after play had properly restarted, an opposing player handled the ball inside the penalty area, yet no penalty was awarded.”

“FC Barcelona believes this decision, along with the serious failure of VAR to intervene, constitutes a significant error. Consequently, the club has requested an investigation, access to the referee’s communications, and, if necessary, official acknowledgment of the errors and the implementation of appropriate measures.

“In this same vein, FC Barcelona believes that this is not the first time that, in recent editions of the UEFA Champions League, incomprehensible refereeing decisions have seriously harmed the team, creating a clear comparative disadvantage and preventing them from competing on equal terms with other clubs.”

On-loan United forward Rashford, who scored Barca’s first in a 2-1 win over Atleti just four days prior to Wednesday’s defeat, expressed his anger over the incident following the final whistle, telling CBS Sports: “It’s clear to me: it’s a penalty. It’s happened before and it’s always been given. I don’t understand the decision.

“People talk about common sense, but common sense itself tells you it’s a penalty. Our reaction reflects that, but so does that of their own players. That counts, too.

“I’ve been in similar situations in matches where the decision was a penalty. Ultimately, it’s hard not to complain when the decision goes against you.”

Manager Hansi Flick mirrored Rashford’s sentiments, saying: “I don’t know what happens in the situation when the goalkeeper starts the game, the defender stops the ball with his hand and then plays again.

“For me, it’s a clear red card, well a second yellow card and a penalty. [The VAR] can explain why it’s not [reviewed the play]. I can’t believe it’s not a red card. It feels not good.”

“It feels unfair. We have to accept it. We will fight next Tuesday.”

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As Marcus Rashford’s loan spell at Barcelona continues to tick down, one Champions League pundit has pointed out a huge change within the Manchester United academy graduate

Former Premier League star Stephen Warnock believes Marcus Rashford’s personality and character has changed for the better at Barcelona. In his final 18 months at Manchester United, Rashford’s time at Old Trafford was marred by off the field situations and a falling out with former boss Ruben Amorim.

When his opportunities were blocked by the Portuguese boss, Rashford secured a dream move to the Camp Nou and has impressed during his time with the Catalans. While his side were beaten 2-0 at home in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie against Atletico Madrid, Rashford was impressive, finding the net only to be marginally ruled offside.

He was Hansi Flick’s side’s most dangerous player, recording four shots on target, more than any other player on the pitch. But the biggest change Warnock spotted was the fact he was willing to take on his opposition full-back and beat him at will, which may go some way to convincing the club to sign him from United permanently.

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Warnock, speaking on the BBC Champions League highlights show, said: “He’s just a brilliant player isn’t he? I think what he’s done since he’s gone to Barcelona is, he’s found his form.

“I think he’s found a happy place where he’s enjoying his football. I actually think he should do better in this position when it comes to him, with that acceleration.

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“His touch just gets caught under him ever so slightly. The strike isn’t quite as clean but his movement is brilliant at the moment. What you want from a winger, on the opposing side, is to get in the box and get opportunities.

“Maybe he can take that down, but he’s so confident in himself that he wants to take that shot on first time. Again, arriving at the back post, great goal,[later ruled out] and that’s exactly what you’re after. Hansi Flick will be delighted with that.

“When you’re a full-back, and you’re playing against someone who has pace, who can time his runs well and know he can use that pace, he’s so dangerous in behind. Maybe he could show a little bit more composure, but that confidence he’s got in himself, he’s taking everything on.

“He’s playing alongside (Lamine) Yamal, and you’re thinking, he’s the one over free-kicks, he’s the one trying to be in the ascendancy, on the front foot, taking people on. I think you can see a huge change in character, in personality, in confidence from an outstanding footballer.

“I think from Thomas Tuchel’s point of view, I think it’s the best thing that’s happened for him this year. It gives him another option in forward positions going into the World Cup.”

Considering his display in Catalunya, Rashford will be one of his side’s biggest hopes, when it comes to overturning the two-goal deficit.

It also remains to be seen whether Barcelona decide to take up their option to sign him permanently from United at the end of the campaign.

They have until June 15 to activate a release clause in his deal which would enable them to sign him for around £26m from United.

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Manchester United may not have been in the Champions League tonight, but their season has been heavily impacted by one of the results this evening

Arsenal’s win against Sporting means fifth will be enough for Manchester United to qualify for next season’s Champions League. The Gunners needed a draw or a victory in Lisbon this evening to ensure the Premier League topped the UEFA co-efficient rankings.

Defeat for Mikel Arteta’s side would have put the onus on Liverpool against Paris Saint-Germain tomorrow evening, with a draw or a victory for the Merseysiders being enough to top the table. However, Arsenal’s 1-0 victory in Portugal has guaranteed the Premier League an unassailable lead at the top of the rankings.

This is a huge boost for United as it means a fifth-placed finish will be enough to qualify for Europe’s elite competition.

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Michael Carrick’s side are comfortably lodged in third position, but Arsenal’s performance this evening gives the Reds an extra layer of security in regard to the race for Champions League qualification.

This was provided by Kai Havertz’s late goal for the north Londoners in Lisbon. The German’s late strike wrapped up a 1-0 away victory for Arteta’s side and ensured at least five Premier League teams will be among the 36 sides in next season’s competition.

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Carrick’s side are back in action in the Premier League this weekend. They travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea in west London.

The Blues, who are currently sixth in the table, would have also been buoyed by the Gunners’ result, although their margin for error is much smaller than United’s. While the Arsenal result is undoubtedly good news for United, Carrick will not allow his players to rest on their laurels.

Before the international break, the United interim manager warned his stars they have to aim for a much higher finish than fifth position. The ex-United midfielder said: “We just need everything we’ve got fully flat down on the floor, there’s no other way.

“It might change, it might not. There needs to be quite a big swing for it to not be fifth but, ultimately, that’s not something that we can control.

“Ideally, we’d like to be fighting above that anyway. So we’re not in the mindset of what’s going to be enough. It’s literally game by game and trying to win.

“It sounds really obvious, but you can’t plan for if you finish fourth or fifth. You’re going to the next game, and we’re all in on this game.

“It’s not something you can plan for really is what I’m getting at. So if we keep our heads up, be really positive and focus on what we can achieve and try and move up the table, it’s a lot better place to have that mindset for.”

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Manchester United Women lost 3-2 to Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League quarter final at Old Trafford

Manchester United Women’s head coach Marc Skinner admitted he was frustrated by the manner of the goals conceded as they lost 3-2 to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter finals. However, the Reds boss insisted his team were not naive after conceding a late goal at Old Trafford.

United started poorly and were behind inside the opening minutes when a ball over the top caught out the defence and Pernille Harder slotted home confidently. The Reds equalised against the run of play as Lea Schuller broke into the box and cannoned the ball off a Bayern arm for a penalty.

Maya Le Tissier stepped up and confidently scored. With under 20 minutes remaining, Harder scored a near-identical goal to make it 2-1 but Hanna Lundkvist’s header immediately cancelled out her brace.

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Bayern eventually got the better of United six minutes from time as Momoko Tanikawa’s strike off the bench secured the win.

Speaking to the media in his press conference, he said: “I wouldn’t call it naivety, there is going to be a little bit of learning in any game, right? Especially when you are playing in the quarter finals of the Champions League.

“I am frustrated with all of the goals. I don’t think they had to particularly earn them, we left the spaces for Harder to run in twice.

“But what I know about this team is that they will be open and honest with that and we have got another leg to turn this around and fix it.

“I honestly don’t think it is naivety, maybe a little bit of just a high level opponent and you have got to deal with that.

“We have felt that now. We are still in the tie, for sure, so we now need to go to the Allianz and win.”

The second leg at the Allianz Arena is on Wednesday, April 1. Before then, United will take on Manchester City at Old Trafford.

Manchester United lost 3-2 at Old Trafford in the first leg of their Women’s Champions League quarter-final

22:17, 25 Mar 2026Updated 22:17, 25 Mar 2026

Manchester United Women’s head coach Marc Skinner wrote warmly about the respect the Reds and Bayern Munich have for each other off the pitch as the clubs forever remain intrinsically linked after the 1958 Air Disaster. However, they were guilty of showing too much respect on the pitch as they were caught cold just moments into their Champions League quarter-final tie.

A relatively straightforward ball over the top sent Pernille Harder in on goal and she slipped the ball comfortably beyond Phallon Tullis-Joyce before many in the press box had settled into their seats. The Frauen-Bundesliga leaders were backed by a boisterous 50-100 fans from Bavaria who did not need an excuse to raise the volume but the early goal did just that.

At this stage of the Champions League, it was a tough reality check for the Reds. However, it was a start that showed their naivety at this stage. Bayern settled like a team who had been there, done it and got the t-shirt. United will get their one day.

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The Reds’ supporters responded quicker than their team as they attempted to lift their players who looked overawed after the early goal. Despite a couple of half chances for the hosts, Bayern came closest to a second when Millie Turner overhit a back pass that left Tullis-Joyce scrambling. Fortunately for her, the ball sailed out for a corner. It summed up a bad opening 20 minutes.

And yet, as football often does, United sprung a surprise. Lea Schuller’s first meaningful run into the Bayern box saw her win a penalty for a handball that perhaps would not have been given in the WSL.

It was tonight though and Maya Le Tissier made no mistake from the spot. A confident finish from the captain.

As the game wore on, United settled and Schuller had a couple of chances as the Reds finished the first half stronger. But they were always susceptible to a mistake.

That being said, they started the second half like a side who belonged in this competition. Melvine Malard enjoyed attacking the Stretford End and had her marker Giulia Gwinn struggling.

Her excellent piece of skill by the touchline midway through the half got Old Trafford on their collective feet. If the Reds are to progress, she will be the one who is the difference in Bavaria.

However, the Reds’ achilles heel was exposed again with 20 minutes remaining. Another through ball over the top picked out Harder who finished confidently.

Hanna Lundkvist equalised immediately but Bayern’s quality eventually wore through. Substitute Momoko Tanikawa’s goal with six minutes of normal time remaining ensured of the victory for the visitors and left United empty-handed after a gutsy performance.

This is the Reds’ first campaign in the Champions League and it showed against a well organised Bayern team. United learnt on the job at Old Trafford but still have a mountain to climb to qualify for the semi-finals.

Manchester United have strengthened their chances of qualifying for the Champions League next season after this weekend’s results

When Manchester United lost to Newcastle at the beginning of this month, it felt like an opportunity had been wasted. At half time, with the scores level and the Reds a man to the good, United needed to push on and beat Eddie Howe’s side.

Instead, they left St James’ Park empty handed and Michael Carrick was clearly furious. Gone were the handshakes and friendly chats with his players. Newcastle had won the battle that night but the Reds can still be the ones to win the war.

United started the weekend with a frustrating draw at Bournemouth. While picking up a point with 10 men is not to be sniffed at, the frustration came from referee Stuart Attwell and VAR Craig Pawson’s decisions. Still, as the matchweek continued, that point became more valuable.

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First, Liverpool lost at Brighton before Chelsea were humbled by Everton in the evening game. That left United with a six-point cushion to fifth place Liverpool and seven points to Chelsea as they battle for Champions League football next season. A top four finish will be the target for Carrick and his players but should they finish fifth, they should be in the Champions League if English clubs continue to succeed this season.

One team who are not so confident about their Champions League status next season are Newcastle. The Magpies’ 2-1 defeat to local rivals Sunderland has left them languishing in mid-table.

They may still be just seven points off Liverpool, but after a chastening week that saw them thrashed by Barcelona in the Champions League, there is little confidence Howe’s men will be able to bridge the gap to qualify for the Europa League, never mind European football’s top table.

And that is where United need to be taking advantage. The Reds have midfield as their priority in the upcoming summer transfer window.

With Casemiro leaving and Manuel Ugarte likely to follow him out, United would prefer to sign two central midfielders. Among the many names linked with the Reds are Newcastle duo Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali.

While Howe played down reports from Reuters that Guimaraes is in advanced discussions with United, the Brazil international could be considering his options this summer. As could Tonali who MEN Sport understands is admired by the Reds.

Guimaraes and Tonali have both spoken of their love for Newcastle previously but so did Alexander Isak. Howe will not be naive enough to think he won’t be burnt again.

Both midfielders will be desperate to play Champions League football next season and are more than good enough to be competing at that level. If Newcastle can’t offer them that, United likely will be able to.

There is plenty of uncertainty surrounding the midfield overhaul. Having to sign multiple players in the same area of the pitch risks disturbing the balance of the team.

Guimaraes and Tonali provide a safety net thanks to their existing partnership. They should be capable of taking that existing chemistry and replicating it at Old Trafford.

Of course, this depends on Newcastle allowing both their midfielders to leave and join a Premier League rival. But United are likely to hold all the cards in the negotiations.

Without Champions League football, Newcastle will struggle to hold out for big money and persuading the duo to stay after this season will also be difficult. United need to capitalise in the summer and continue to act like a bigger fish in a small pond.

Signing Guimaraes and Tonali would be a show of strength. It would also follow the example set last summer by Jason Wilcox.

Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo were signed as ‘plug and play’ players. They had existing Premier League experience and United knew what they were getting.

The Newcastle duo offer the exact same for United’s midfield and if the Reds want to become a force in the Premier League again, this is how they must operate.

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Manchester United received a surprise Champions League boost following their draw with Bournemouth after defeats for Chelsea and Liverpool in the Premier League

It may have been considered a missed opportunity to pile pressure on Chelsea and Liverpool when Manchester United could only draw against Bournemouth on Friday. However United have increased their advantage by a point as time begins to run out for teams to make their final push to qualify for the Champions League.

There remains a strong chance that the Premier League will receive five places in the competition, but finishing fourth is a guarantee. Michael Carrick’s side will be in third place heading into the international break, regardless of how Aston Villa fare against West Ham.

The Midlands club are four points behind United, with Liverpool two further back and Liam Rosenior’s Chelsea another point behind them. As a result, United are seven points ahead of sixth place, and have opened a gap with just seven matches remaining of the season.

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Crucially, following a 3-0 defeat against Everton, Chelsea have won just one of their previous six matches in the division. While Carrick has injected vigour into United’s push, Liam Rosenior is now slightly scrambling to stop a freefall.

Carrick has played it coy over his expectations, but United took another step forward this weekend, albeit a small one. We take a look at how confident the club should feel, looking at their remaining fixtures.

Man United fixtures

Leeds (h)

Chelsea (a)

Brentford (h)

Liverpool (h)

Sunderland (a)

Nottingham Forest (h)

Brighton (a)

Chelsea fixtures

Manchester City (h)

Manchester United (h)

Brighton (a)

Nottingham Forest (h)

Liverpool (a)

Tottenham (h)

Sunderland (a)

Verdict

The two teams share four fixtures and also play each other within their final seven matches. Given that Chelsea face a title-chasing Manchester City and a Tottenham side who may be fighting for their lives in a derby fixture, it’s difficult not to see the Blues as having the more difficult run-in.

Certainly, without beating United, seven points looks a significant gap to bridge or to even strike fear into Carrick’s side. Greater threats lie in wait from teams in better form, such as Everton, or from resurgent sides with a stereotypically easier run-in, such as Newcastle.

United are looking on course, given the advantage they already hold, and those sides will pose a greater threat to the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool. The ability to play Champions League football next term is firmly in United’s hands.

Manchester City have been handed a slight boost in their quest to derail Arsenal from the top of the Premier League table in the coming weeks

Manchester City will benefit from a week away from action as Arsenal play out a congested run of fixtures next month, in a slight boost in the race for the Premier League title.

With just seven league matches remaining, the Gunners’ involvement in the Carabao Cup, FA Cup and Champions League has created complications.

Next month will see Mikel Arteta’s squad play a remarkable five matches in 15 days across all competitions, beginning with an April 4 FA Cup quarter-final clash with Southampton away from home.

Just three days later, Arsenal head to Lisbon to face Sporting CP in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, before they return to Premier League duties against Bournemouth at home on April 11.

Their return Champions League leg with Sporting then follows at the Emirates Stadium four days later, before Arsenal take to the pitch against City in a crucial six-pointer for the Premier League title on April 19.

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Following their Champions League exit to Real Madrid this week 5-1 on aggregate, combined with Crystal Palace progressing to the next round of the Europa Conference League, meanwhile, Manchester City’s workload will be somewhat lighter.

City and Palace were originally scheduled to meet on Saturday, March 21, but that fixture was postponed due to Pep Guardiola’s Sky Blues reaching this weekend’s Carabao Cup final against Arsenal.

The game could have potentially been rearranged for the same week that Arsenal face Sporting CP in either of their UCL legs, but that possibility is no longer viable with the Eagles set to meet Fiorentina on April 9 and April 16.

Consequently, it appears probable that City will instead take on Palace in either late April or May, meaning that they will benefit from a free week off whilst Arsenal are in the midst of an extraordinary five game run with minimal time for recovery.

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Manchester City’s April run of fixtures

• Manchester City vs Liverpool – FA Cup (H) – Saturday, April 4
• Chelsea vs Manchester City – Premier League (A) – Sunday, April 12
• Manchester City vs Arsenal – Premier League (H) – Saturday, April 19
• Burnley vs Manchester City – Premier League (A) – Sunday, April 26

Arsenal’s April run of fixtures

• Southampton vs Arsenal – FA Cup (A) – Saturday, April 4
• Sporting CP vs Arsenal – Champions League quarter-finals first leg (A) – Tuesday, April 7
• Arsenal vs Bournemouth – Premier League (H) – Saturday, April 11
• Arsenal vs Sporting CP – Champions League quarter-finals second leg (H) – Wednesday, April 15
• Manchester City vs Arsenal – Premier League (A) – Saturday, April 19
• Arsenal vs Newcastle United – Premier League (H) – Saturday, April 25

With City currently holding a game in hand over Arsenal, given that the Gunners and Wolves are the only two teams to have played 31 fixtures thus far this season, it also provides Guardiola a slight advantage on what is required to dethrone them in their pursuit of their first Premier League title in two decades.

And should Arsenal advance to the semi-finals and ultimately final of the Champions League, Arteta will also see his club’s schedule for May affected further.

The Gunners will already be tasked with matches against Fulham, West Ham, Burnley and Palace, and additional games could have an impact on player fitness and potential injury in the crucial stages of the Premier League.

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Manchester United have been linked with a wealth of talent as they look for a suitable replacement for Casemiro, with Newcastle United skipper Bruno Guimaraes now emerging as the frontrunner

Manchester United’s hopes of signing Bruno Guimaraes or Sandro Tonali from Newcastle this summer could rest on the Magpies securing or missing out on European qualification. The Reds have been linked with a number of names as they look to address issues in the heart of midfield.

And with Casemiro revealing his intentions to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season, the club will scramble to find a suitable successor in the coming months. While the likes of Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton have all been brought up in conversation, Newcastle captain Guimaraes is thought to be the club’s number one priority.

As per Reuters, United are in ‘advanced talks’ to sign the 28-year-old in a £69million deal. It is also claimed that both Guimaraes’ camp and the Reds favour the move.

However, according to former Manchester United star Danny Simpson, the club could potentially retain their key talents should they manage to see Champions League or Europa League football in 2026/27. Speaking to the MEN via Gambling.com, who rank and compare licensed UK casinos, Simpson said: “I watched Tonali, he’s another one I watched that I was so impressed with.

“I think I tweeted how good I thought he was, watching him live at Man Utd last week. Didn’t realise how big he was, to be honest, and didn’t realise how well he moved with the ball, off the ball powerful.

“I think any of them top clubs are looking at him in that centre. City need one, Man Utd need one. Chelsea obviously can’t buy players.

“I think he’s one definitely people are looking at. [Tino] Livramento, again with him, playing left-back, right-back. Yes, okay, he’s had injuries this season, so we’ll see how he finishes this season.

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“The other one for me is Lewis Hall. As well, I think he looks…They got him for £30million, which I think at the time raised a few eyebrows, but the way he’s developed and looks like for the next 10 years could be a top, top, top left-back in the Premier League and for England.

“They’ve got some really good players. I think the other thing is, the other clubs know the financial situation Newcastle are in. Wanting to progress and get more…

“It’s going to be an issue. It’s going to be tough to hold on to them, but it depends how they finish the season.

“Can they still get European football? If they don’t, that’s obviously when players will say to Eddie [Howe] and the club, ‘I want to play in these big nights that we’ve just played in, Barcelona, etc.’ It’ll be very tough, but I think it depends on where they finish in the league this season if they can get European football.”

A top-five Premier League finish remains as Howe’s last hope of securing European football next season, considering Newcastle were dumped out of the Champions League 8-3 on aggregate by Barcelona in the last 16 on Wednesday evening.

Given just how tight it is at the top of the table, however, and with just eight games to go, finishing around the sweet spot of the top five will undoubtedly be a tough task. As things stand, the Magpies sit ninth in the Premier League standings, seven points adrift of a fifth-place Liverpool and trailing a fourth-place Aston Villa by nine.

Up next for Newcastle is a bitter Tyne-Wear Derby with Sunderland on Sunday, March 22. Fixtures with Crystal Palace, Fulham and Arsenal make up a portion of their remaining top-flight games.

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Manchester City were knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid in midweek.

Pep Guardiola cut a resigned figure for much of Manchester City’s Champions League defeat to Real Madrid.

The City boss had seen his side force a flurry of early chances before their momentum, like the manager’s shirt, was checked. Bernardo Silva was sent off for handball on the line after a VAR review and Vinicius Jr converted from the spot.

City rallied but at 4-0 down in the tie the task was too great. Guardiola, booked in the first half, accepted the defeat with good grace in his post-match interview even if there was a clear frustration that the chance of a comeback had been taken away by the officials.

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On the pitch, as the final whistle blew, the City chief paused reflectively before making his way onto the pitch to shake the hands of officials and players.

There was a flashpoint with Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger, who motioned towards Guardiola, causing the Blues boss to lean away. Real manager Álvaro Arbeloa came over to steer the German away but the altercation continued and ended with Guardiola blowing a kiss in Rudiger’s direction.

That was at odds with Guardiola’s general calmness after the contest as he chatted with players from both teams.

As City’s players headed on their customary lap of the Etihad to take in the applause of their supporters, Guardiola was notable by his absence. Instead of participating, as he normally does, the boss headed down the tunnel.

He spoke of pride in both the changing room and his media duties and is confident this City squad are on the right path.

It remains to be seen if Guardiola will be here next season amid continued speculation over his future, but increasingly there is an impression that he wants another year at City.

He’s built a new-look side that has shown it is capable of challenging the best in the business, and if this was his last Champions League night in charge of the Blues it was not the ending he would have written. You wonder if he’ll pen one more chapter.

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The Carabao Cup Final will see Arsenal v Manchester City at London’s Wembley Stadium this March.