Roberto De Zerbi has shared his verdict on Manchester City’s recent Champions League encounter with Real Madrid.

After drawing 1-1 against the Spanish side after extra time in their second-leg quarter-final tie at the Etihad Stadium, the Blues were beaten on penalties and knocked out of the Champions League.

With the Citizens now set to return to Premier League action on Thursday with an away clash against Brighton & Hove Albion, the Seagulls manager has shared his thoughts on City and their game against Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

De Zerbi drops verdict on City vs Real

Speaking in his latest press conference (via Andy Naylor) ahead of Thursday’s match at the AMEX Stadium, De Zerbi used one key word to describe City’s result against Real.

He said: “They were unlucky against Real Madrid.”

Looking back over the 1-1 draw at the Etihad, the Blues had 67% possession and racked up 33 attempts at goal with nine being on target.

Having forced the Real goalkeeper into making eight saves across the 120 minutes before the penalty shootout, it’s clear that City were the dominant side on the night and deserved to go through based on their attacking intent.

However, having been unable to find a winner when they needed to, this would have been a big regret for them after they were unable to win on penalties.

City can’t afford to be unlucky in the Premier League title race

Just three days after they were knocked out of Europe, the Citizens then secured a hard-fought win over Chelsea at Wembley Stadium in the semi-final of the FA Cup.

This will have presumably been a big morale boost for the City players after their disappointing result against Real.

Looking ahead to Thursday’s Premier League clash on the south coast, the Blues can’t afford to be unlucky or fail to take any chances that come their way given how close the race is to win the Premier League title.

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