Manuel Pellegrini says Man City were 'unlucky' to exit Champions League to Real Madrid

Posted Thursday, May 05, 2016 by skysports.com

Manuel Pellegrini says Man City were 'unlucky' to exit Champions League to Real Madrid
Manuel Pellegrini felt his side did not deserve to lose

Manuel Pellegrini felt fortune favoured Real Madrid after they knocked Manchester City out of the Champions League at the semi-final stage on Wednesday.

Fernando deflected Gareth Bale's cross past Joe Hart to send Real into the final, where they will face Atletico Madrid for the second time in three years.

Pellegrini admitted his side lacked creativity in the final third at the Bernabeu, but said neither side deserved to progress after two close legs in Manchester and Madrid.

Manuel Pellegrini says Man City were 'unlucky' to exit Champions League to Real Madrid
Real Madrid's Welsh forward Gareth Bale saw his cross deflected past Joe Hart for the only goal of the game

"They were very lucky with their goal and we were very unlucky because it was a deflected cross that put the ball in the top corner," Pellegrini said.

"The goal gave them more time to play but both teams couldn't create, and it was very similar to the first leg with both teams without many clear chances.

"We played a strong team, but not one that was better than us, so you need a bit of fortune. It's not the reason why didn't win the game, we tried to create and we couldn't, and that's why we are not in the final.

"But you always need some luck and this time Real Madrid was lucky with the goal."

Manuel Pellegrini says Man City were 'unlucky' to exit Champions League to Real Madrid
Gareth Bale celebrates after Fernando deflected his cross past Joe Hart

Fernandinho squandered City's best chance before half-time, grazing the outside of Keylor Navas' post, but the Premier League side struggled to carve out many clear-cut openings at the Bernabeu.

The City manager praised his side's defence, which lost captain Vincent Kompany after 10 minutes through injury, but said the absence of David Silva had an impact on their attacking play.

Manuel Pellegrini says Man City were 'unlucky' to exit Champions League to Real Madrid
Pepe of Real Madrid checks on the injured Vincent Kompany

"I don't have any regrets," Pellegrini added. "We worked very well for 90 minutes and that's why Real Madrid couldn't create but after the work, you need to be creative and players to make the difference in the last third, and today we couldn't.

"We had a chance when Fernandinho hit the post, but there was not too much for both teams. I think we were also missing David Silva, and with Yaya Toure coming back from an injury, meant we didn't have many creative midfielders that could make the difference."

On Kompany's injury, Pellegrini said: "It's not the best way to start the semi-final, losing your captain.

"It's a change you don't consider, but we didn't have a problem defending with or without Vincent. We will see tomorrow [on the severity], maybe it is the groin, but we will know more tomorrow."