BBC Sport, 4 May 2022
Pep Guardiola says Manchester City must “process” their remarkable Champions League semi-final loss to Real Madrid and “come back” as they look to defend their Premier League title. City had a final spot snatched away from them in Spain as Real scored twice in stoppage time and again in extra time to come back from two goals down. Riyad Mahrez’s goal had given City a 5-3 lead in the tie, but two goals from substitute Rodrygo in stoppage time levelled it before Karim Benzema’s penalty won it for the Spanish side in extra time. “It is tough for us, I cannot deny. We were so close to the Champions League final. Now we need to process that and come back, with our people at home,” Guardiola said. City lead Liverpool by a point in the Premier League with four games to go.
In a separate story, the Football Association has confirmed it will continue to play Three Lions at major Wembley matches. Reports had suggested the England anthem written by Ian Broudie, David Baddiel and Frank Skinner might be ditched, but Euro ’96 hero Paul Gascoigne called the idea “nonsense.” The FA said: “Contrary to reports, the FA still plays Three Lions at major Wembley matches and has never had any intention of doing otherwise. The song belongs to the fans and is about the hope of following the England team.”