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Paul Merson explains why he's embarrassed for Real Madrid despite win over Man City

Paul Merson has slammed Real Madrid after they knocked Manchester City out of the Champions League on penalties, claiming they were "absolutely destroyed" by Pep Guardiola's side

Arsenal legend Paul Merson
Arsenal legend Paul Merson(Image: Sky Sports)

Paul Merson claims Real Madrid are "a million miles behind" Manchester City, despite Carlo Ancelotti's side emerging victorious in their Champions League encounter.

The Spanish giants beat City on penalties to set up a semi-final clash against Bayern Munich, after they drew 4-4 on aggregate. However, Merson felt it was "pure luck" that Real prevailed, with City having 68 percent possession and 33 shots in the second leg.


"Last night's game was embarrassing," Merson told Sky Sports. "Man City did to Real Madrid what they did to Luton. For anybody watching that game, it was mind blowing. It was pure luck that Real got past City.


"They absolutely destroyed them. They embarrassed them. It was one of the most one-sided games I've ever seen, and City were just bang out of luck losing on penalties.

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"Real Madrid cannot come away from that game and think they are a better team than Man City. They are a million miles behind them."

Merson also suggested that English sides have suffered in Europe this season due to how competitive the Premier League has been, with just two points separating City, Arsenal and Liverpool in the title race.


"The problem the English teams have is the Premier League," Merson explained. "The intensity of our league is off the scale. Let's start at the top with Man City, Arsenal and Liverpool.

"They are involved in one of the best title races in the history of the Premier League. It's a huge battle for the title with two points separating the top three and that takes a lot out of you physically and mentally.

"They are pushing each other right to the limit week in, week out, but compare that to some of the other teams around Europe and the positions they are in their leagues. The numbers blow your mind away."


Manchester City were knocked out of the Champions League on penalties by Real Madrid
Manchester City were knocked out of the Champions League on penalties by Real Madrid(Image: PA)

City boss Pep Guardiola insisted after the game that he had no regrets about the tie.

"I would have preferred to win, of course, but congrats to Real Madrid, they defended so deep with such solidarity. We did absolutely everything - I don't have any regrets," he said.


"We played exceptionally in all departments but unfortunately we could not win. I have to say thank you to these players from deep in my heart because of the way they played. But football is about winning and we didn't do enough yet we were exceptional."

City midfielder Rodri was far from complimentary on Madrid's display at the Etihad, claiming he "saw only one team" to try win the game.

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