After Manchester City lost 1-2 to Real Madrid and were eliminated from the Champions League, tensions flared up between Pep Guardiola and Antonio Rudiger.
If an "equation" already includes Antonio Rudiger, then Pep Guardiola, plus the context of the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 match between Man City and Real Madrid, the result is sure to be a tense encounter.
At the Etihad, Man City suffered a 1-2 defeat with a brace from Vinicius and a consolation goal from Erling Haaland. Real Madrid advanced to the Champions League quarter-finals with a 5-1 aggregate score.
When the match ended, Pep Guardiola went around greeting each Real Madrid player, from Eduardo Camavinga and Dean Huijsen to Federico Valverde. But when it was Rudiger's turn, things were completely different.
The two shook hands, and what initially seemed like a friendly moment nearly crossed the line.
Nathan Ake immediately intervened, while Alvaro Arbeloa pulled Rudiger away. As he left, the German defender also witnessed Guardiola giving him a provocative blown kiss.
That was just one of many remarkable moments in the match – a clash that has become a "European classic" over the last five seasons.
In this season's Champions League, Man City won their group stage matches at the Bernabeu, but Real Madrid won both legs of the round of 16.
"In a career, there will be good and bad results , " Pep said about being eliminated from Europe's most prestigious competition, and looking ahead to other matches.
“It’s time to stand up, prepare for the League Cup final (11:30 PM on March 22nd) and finish the season.”
It's heartbreaking to be eliminated from the Champions League, but this tournament is very tough. That's all .