Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City’s routine run to the Champions League quarter-finals is caused to celebrate despite a tense draw at Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday.
The hard work of Manchester City English champions was completed by winning 5-0 against the Portuguese capital just three weeks ago when City made it to the last eight in the five-time in a row this season.
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“It’s a good sign,” Guardiola said.
“In the last decade, step-by-step, the club grew up. Every season is playing this competition, qualifying for last 16 and now in the best eight teams in Europe.”
The city is on track to win an unprecedented four-time Premier League title in five seasons; however, their dream of winning the Champions League has so far been out of reach regardless of the billions that have been that City’s Abu Dhabi owners.
Guardiola is aware that his legacy at Manchester will be evaluated on whether he will finally become City champions in Europe.
But, he believes that the success of being a regular participant shouldn’t be ignored.
“Every year when we qualify for the Champions League, I celebrate it that night because I know how difficult it is,” the coach said.
“When you qualify for the last 16, I celebrate it. Now it’s time to congratulate everyone, focus on the Premier League, and see who we get in the draw.”
A more challenging test is expected to be in store for the final eight minutes as Sporting made their way to the Etihad to avoid a sloppy scoreline, like the one they experienced on their home turf.
“After the result of the first game, the tie became practically impossible,” declared Sporting goalkeeper Antonio Adan.
“The team was better defensively, and they didn’t play with the same clarity either. We leave satisfied.”
Guardiola made the European debut to a young right-back CJ Egan-Riley. There were a lot of defenders injured or ill.
Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, and Riyad Mahrez also sat out initially, but City would have had the chance to win the match comfortably.
Raheem Sterling was unable to make the most of his chances for the home team in the manner that the England international could not lift his ball past Adan after Phil Foden’s stunning through ball.
After a quiet second half, City was convinced that they’d gained the lead thanks to Gabriel Jesus early in the second half.
Mahrez, introduced during the break, sprinted into the box before sliding the ball towards the Brazilian on the left.
Jesus hit the ball with a very tight angle; however, his goal wasn’t allowed offside after a VAR review.
The situation was summarized by when Guardiola decided to offer 36-year-old goalie Scott Carson his first Champions League appearance since 2005.
He replaced Ederson 17 minutes before the end of time.
Carson was brought into action to block a brave Pedro Porro with Sporting’s best chance moments later.
Mahrez, John Stones, and Sterling failed to capitalize late in the game for a breakthrough; however, Sporting made up for it by keeping the clean sheet.
