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Real Madrid mauled by Girona as Pep Guardiola proven right ahead of Man City clash
Pep Guardiola was proven right as Real Madrid conceded four at Girona ahead of their Champions League clash against Man City.
Guardiola previews Man City's clash with Arsenal
Pep Guardiola has been proven right after Real Madrid suffered La Liga humiliation on Tuesday night. Girona thrashed Los Blancos in a severe blow to their fading title hopes, delivering the worst-possible preparation for their Champions League semi-final clash with Manchester City in May.
Real Madrid looked lost without Thibaut Courtois as Carlo Ancelotti's side suffered a 4-2 defeat at the Estadi Montilivi.
Valentin Castellanos, on loan at Girona from Man City's sister club New York City FC, ran riot, scoring all four goals in a performance that will go down in history.
The collapse has left many fearing what Erling Haaland could do over 180 minutes if Castellanos could inflict such damage on one night.
But, above all, it proved that Guardiola's eye for talent is as good as his tactical know-how.
Sixteen months ago, the City manager claimed he believed Castellanos was ready to step into European football.
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During a press conference in December 2021, Guardiola said: "I think he is a guy who will do the next step in Europe.
"What I saw when the scouting department talked to me, I know he's a quality player and ready to make the next step to Europe, and we will see where."
Castellanos took the step and joined Girona last summer on a season-long loan after making 106 MLS appearances.
The 24-year-old striker has made 31 appearances this term, scoring 12 goals and providing one assist.
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Guardiola would've been watching his masterclass against the European champions while licking his lips.
City will know that if they progress past Real Madrid after comfortably beating Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals, they will be heavy favourites to lift their first Champions League in June.
AC Milan or Inter Milan will await in the Istanbul final after two legs that are guaranteed to be feisty at San Siro.
Real Madrid may have eased past Chelsea in the last eight, but City will be an entirely different proposition.
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