Man City fans adamant Pep Guardiola threw away win vs Real Madrid with one key decision

Manchester City fans have been left baffled by one key decision Pep Guardiola made during their UEFA Champions League clash against Real Madrid.

The reigning champions of Europe arrived at the Etihad Stadium for the first leg of the mouth-watering Champions League playoff tie against City.

After wasting multiple chances to go ahead, Madrid found themselves behind after Erling Haaland netted in the 19th minute.

In the second half, Carlo Ancelotti's men levelled proceedings when Kylian Mbappe's acrobatic effort found the back of the net on the hour mark.

Both teams pushed for the go-ahead goal in the last half an hour and City were eventually awarded a penalty after Dani Ceballos fouled Phil Foden just inside the 18-yard box.

Haaland stepped up to score his second goal of the match to make it 2-1 to the hosts.

However, City's lead did not last long as former player Brahim Diaz scored to make it 2-2 with four minutes left of the 90.

The drama did not stop there as Jude Bellingham scored deep into stoppage time to seal a massive 3-2 victory.

Reacting on social media, City fans felt Guardiola's decision to keep Bernardo Silva on the pitch may have impacted the result.

One fan said: "Instead of taking out Bernardo he takes out Ake. Pep WHY??"

Another tweeted: "Pep has made huge mistakes with the substitutions. Bernardo should have gone off instead of Ake."

A third fan added: "Why does Pep love Bernardo so much he offers absolutely nothing."

Manchester City trail Real Madrid 3-2 heading into next week's second leg. Image: Getty

Someone else wrote: "The earlier pep realises that Bernardo Silva is not that guy anymore, the better for him."

A fifth commented: "Why does Pep never subs Bernardo?"

Another fan said: "WHAT IS PEP'S OBSESSION WITH BERNARDO SILVA?"

The second leg will take place next week at the Bernabeu, City are back in Premier League action this weekend when they take on Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon.