da premier bet： Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola poked fun at Florentino Perez and Real Madrid, criticising the grass at the Santiago Bernabeu.

da winzada777： Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Roof was closed at BernabeuGuardiola criticised quality of the pitchHis history with Real is well-knownWHAT HAPPENED?

In the build-up to Real and City's Champions League quarter-final first leg clash, it was announced the roof of the Bernaebu would be closed. In the aftermath of a stunning 3-3 draw, Guardiola told Perez that he should be more focused on improving the state of the pitch in a savage dig at the Real president.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The pitch did seem below its usual immaculate standard, but it didn't affect the game from being an instant classic. Guardiola has a long history with Real both as a player and a manager, and his relationship with media in the Spanish capital has always been tetchy, which likely played into his comments.

WHAT GUARDIOLA SAID

Speaking to the press after the game, Guardiola said: “I like to see the sky, honestly. But it is true that it is impressive. Now they just have to take care of the grass, they just have to improve that. Florentino only has to worry about having a good pitch next, as Madrid had always had, like a carpet.”

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR PEP, CITY AND REAL?

Guardiola should have no complaints about the grass next week as his City side take on Real at the Etihad Stadium in the second-leg. He will be looking to progress to a fourth consecutive semi-final, and will be buoyed by the positive news on Phil Foden's injury.