Pep Guardiola Says Man City’s Late Win Over Villa Is Big Boost for Champions League

Pep Guardiola Says It Was “Important” But Stresses Calm Ahead

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola called the win “important” but said his team must stay calm and focused. City won a thrilling 2-1 match against Aston Villa, thanks to a last-minute goal by Matheus Nunes in the fourth minute of added time.

Bernardo Silva scored first for City, but Marcus Rashford quickly equalized for Villa with a penalty.

With this win, City moved up to third place in the Premier League with just four games left. Meanwhile, Unai Emery’s Aston Villa dropped to seventh, sitting two points outside the top five.

Man City A Late Winner at the Etihad

Pep Guardiola Says Man City's Late Win Over Villa Is Big Boost for Champions League

Man City The match took place at the Etihad Stadium, where City started strong. Bernardo Silva scored the first goal early in the game, but Aston Villa quickly responded. Marcus Rashford scored from the penalty spot to bring the game to 1-1.

As the game neared its end, it looked like the points would be shared. But in the fourth minute of injury Man City, Matheus Nunes scored a crucial goal to give City a 2-1 win.

This victory pushed Manchester City up to third place in the Premier League standings. They now have just four games left to play in the season. Meanwhile, Aston Villa dropped to seventh place, sitting just two points behind the top five.

Guardiola: “We Must Stay Focused”

Speaking after the game, Guardiola talked about the importance of the win but reminded everyone to stay calm.

“If we win our next four games, this victory will have been very important,” he said. “Aston Villa is a very strong team. They have great players and a top manager. It was not an easy game.”

Man City Guardiola praised his team’s effort and defense: “We didn’t give away many chances. We didn’t create a lot either, but we controlled most of the game. The defense was fantastic.”

He also mentioned that while the win helps their Champions League hopes, the team must now focus on their next match — an FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

The Final Stretch of the Season

Guardiola has referred to the final five league games as “finals.” After beating Aston Villa, City will now face Wolves and Bournemouth at home, and travel to Southampton and Fulham.

Man City If they can win these games, they will likely secure their place in next season’s Champions League.

“We have our fate in our hands,” Guardiola said. “If we win the last games, we will qualify.”

Villa Still Hopeful Despite Loss

Aston Villa came into the match in great form. Before this loss, they had won five Premier League games in a row. Their only defeat in the last 11 matches had been a Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain.

Villa manager Unai Emery said he was proud of his players, despite the narrow defeat.

“I feel a little disappointed, but overall I’m proud of the team,” Emery said. “We will take the positives from this game and use them for motivation going forward. There are still games and points left. We still have a chance to reach the Champions League.”

Aston Villa vs Manchester City – Final Score

Team	1st Half	2nd Half	Final Score
Aston Villa	1	0	1
Manchester City	1	1	2

Rashford Shines Again

Marcus Rashford, who joined Aston Villa on loan from Manchester United in February, scored his fourth goal for the club in this match.

Emery praised Rashford’s recent performances: “I’m really happy with him. He’s doing great, and I hope he can help us again on Saturday.”

Villa will now turn their focus to their FA Cup semi-final match against Crystal Palace on Saturday. Like City, they are still fighting on multiple fronts and aiming to end the season strong.