The opponents, for starters, given it was the fifth consecutive season the two sides had met in a Champions League knockout tie. Guardiola's biggest strength in the Premier League - six titles in 10 years - is his greatest flaw in the Champions League. Across a 38-game season, you can control the uncontrollables, at least to a much greater effect than in the Champions League. And that’s the other side of this particular coin: the best team in Europe doesn’t always win the Champions League. Yeah, yeah, for sure.”

Source: Express March 18, 2026 16:41 UTC