Pep Guardiola hailed Manchester City’s dramatic comeback against Schalke – but fears Europe’s giants will make them pay in the latter stages of the Champions League.
Ten-man City survived a scare in Gelsenkirchen, with Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling scoring twice in the last five minutes to earn a 3-2 first leg win this round-of-16 tie.
But Guardiola warned his players they could be made to suffer if they continue to ‘gift’ goals on Europe’s biggest stage.
Two first half penalties from Nabil Bentaleb put Schalke of the verge of a famous win after Sergio Aguero had fired City in front.
On a night when Nicolas Otamendi was also sent off, Guardiola said: “We gave away the goals and the red card.
“They didn’t have a shot on target and scored twice. If they’d scored a third or fourth then maybe we’re out.
“To go away and score three goals - and the way we reacted at 10 men - we played incredibly well.
“I’m delighted, but it’s not enough. We gifted them the goals. If that happens in another stage…”
Guardiola hopes a fright in Germany will prove a springboard for his side, who went into the game as favourites to win the competition.
“We don’t know how far we’ll get,” he added. “You have to live these situations in these competitions.
“Maybe we won’t realise what you need to do to win the games in these competitions.
“I’m delighted with the performance, believe me. We didn’t sit back. We pressed.
“Maybe it will help us. Give me this result before and I would say ‘where do I sign?’
“Every stage is more difficult.”
