Wayne Rooney spots what Man City players did against Real Madrid that will 'worry' Pep Guardiola

Wayne Rooney has spotted one thing that Manchester City players did during their clash against Real Madrid that will be a worry for Pep Guardiola.

On Tuesday night, City welcomed reigning European champions Madrid to the Etihad Stadium as the pair faced off in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League playoff tie.

City twice went ahead through Erling Haaland but failed to see the game out as goals from Brahim Diaz and Jude Bellingham sealed a massive 3-2 win for Carlo Ancelotti's men.

Next week, Guardiola's team will have a tough task on their hands to keep their Champions League dream alive when they travel to the Bernabeu to contest the second leg.

Speaking after the match, former Manchester United and England star Rooney picked out something the City players did that could become a huge worry for Guardiola in the near future.

He told Amazon Prime: "I think there was a lot of naivety from Manchester City - especially later in the game. For me I think Manchester City's players over last few years you have seen a strong belief and confidence.

"The players tonight were looking round at each other, almost with a lack of belief in each other, and I think that is a worry for Guardiola. Real Madrid have come here without any of their back four and I don't think we have heard Carlo Ancelotti talk about that once."

Rooney continued: "When you are 2-1 up against Real Madrid with a game coming up at the Bernabeu, you have to say 'let's be sensible', let them have the ball in their half, reset."

"A lack of belief in each other... that's a worry for Guardiola"@WayneRooney assesses Man City after defeat to Real Madrid.#UCLonPrime pic.twitter.com/RTPJfUeHNJ

— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) February 11, 2025

During his own interview, Guardiola spoke about the bad decisions his team made on the night.

He said: "Many times it happen this season. I know the the quality of Real Madrid. We took the game in the second half and tried to attack too quick. It happens because they [Real Madrid] are an exceptional team.

"It happens many times this season. Bad decisions, that's all. I take it. It's not about you and me, it's everyone. Yeah, that is all season [injuries]. But we know it."

City will now have to dust themselves off ahead of their Premier League clash against Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon.