John Stones was left “indignant” and “pissed off” by Manchester Metropolis’s late collapse in a 3-2 defeat by Actual Madrid of their Champions League knockout play-off first leg.
Actual secured the victory by means of two late targets by Brahim Diaz and Jude Bellingham after Erling Haaland had put Metropolis forward from the penalty spot within the eightieth minute.
Metropolis led by means of Haaland’s first of the sport after 10 minute earlier than Kylian Mbappe levelled the sport within the second half forward of the dramatic finale on the Etihad.
It continues Pep Guardiola’s aspect’s uncharacteristic struggles this season, with the Premier League’s fifth-place aspect now set to move to the Bernabeu subsequent week needing to overturn a purpose deficit in an effort to attain the final 16.
Stones informed Amazon Prime: “A number of video games after the Arsenal one [5-1 defeat], I don’t know learn how to put it into phrases immediately, it’s so uncooked and irritating for everybody.
“We have been within the recreation till so late after which it’s two conditions that occur and we concede. It’s irritating as a defender to come back away with that consequence.
“It’s a sense of anger and frustration.”
IT’S HAPPENED AGAIN!
Man Metropolis AGONY on the Etihad as Actual Madrid lead! 😳#UCLonPrime pic.twitter.com/vLL8j9Wuz6
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) February 11, 2025
Their late defeat was the ninth time Metropolis have did not win after main within the recreation, which is as many occasions as of their previousd 4 seasons.
The England defender added: “We have to see video games out higher. The supervisor stated we have to take accountability for what we do on the pitch, I believe we do this. We have to step up when these unhealthy moments occur.
“At present we had an incredible alternative to go to the Bernabeu with a 2-1 lead. It’s not finished. We’ve to remain optimistic, which is tough now. Because the supervisor says we have to take a look at ourselves and take accountability.”
“We have been proper on prime at the beginning of the sport and we all know Actual have high quality to come back out within the second half. It’s avoidable from us because the eleven on the pitch. We’ve to do higher – it’s so simple as that.
“We’ve to maintain a optimistic mentality and attempt to put it proper.”
Bellingham: We performed a few of our greatest soccer of the season
Match-winner Bellingham felt Actual have been deserving of the victory after a formidable begin to the sport regardless of going behind and says his late purpose could possibly be essential forward of the return leg.
He stated: “It was a bizarre one. We performed a few of our greatest soccer of the season and ended up behind.
“I believe we have been enjoying nicely and creating loads. We have been at all times assured all through the sport that one thing would drop for us.
“I don’t care what kind Metropolis are in they’re nonetheless an unbelievable workforce. It’s at all times tough to play towards them and we lastly took the possibility on the finish.
“It’s at all times good to take a lead again dwelling and I’m positive the Bernabeu will come by means of for us.
It looks as if there’s up and downs in these knockout video games. It’s not simply recreation administration, it’s tactical and it’s physiological as nicely.”
