Pep Guardiola was a brilliant player for FC Barcelona once upon a time. He moved to the bench 15 years ago, and the rivalry has remained as a coach. In this article, we examine the results of Guardiola’s clubs versus Real Madrid over the years.
As FC Barcelona’s coach
Guardiola stayed four seasons as FC Barcelona’s head coach, in which he showcased his level. In his first season, he humiliated Real Madrid, winning 2-6 in his second ‘Clásico’. Two years later, Real Madrid faced another battle, this time losing 5-0 against Guardiola’s Barcelona.
It took until 2011 for Real Madrid to defeat Guardiola’s FC Barcelona for the first time… It was also a poor time for a slip. In the Copa del Rey final, Ronaldo scored the game’s only goal in overtime, and Guardiola suffered his first defeat to Real Madrid.
Pep would only lose one more time in Barcelona, in his final match for the catalans. A 1-2 game, in the Camp Nou, would seal Guardiola’s history in ‘El Clásico’. He lost twice and drew four times in 15 games, including two amazing results and numerous controversies, mostly against Mourinho.
Bayern München
Guardiola returned to football after taking a year off, signing with Bayern München. He only faced Real Madrid twice in the Champions League knockout stages. This time, ‘Los Blancos’ avenged their former opponent with a 5-0 aggregate victory and an 0-4 loss in the Allianz Arena.
Manchester City
Prior to this Champions League season, Real Madrid and Guardiola’s Manchester City competed in two knockout stages. Guardiola won both matches in the 2020 Last 16 round, defeating Real Madrid 4-2 on aggregate.
They met in the semifinals last year, in two dramatic matches. Manchester City won 4-3 at the Etihad Stadium, but Real Madrid came back with a 3-1 win on their home ground to knock the ‘Citizens’ out of the Champions League.
Overall
Thus, Guardiola has been more successful than not against Real Madrid. In 21 matches so far, he has won 12 times and only lost five matches. However, everyone should keep in mind their record in knockout stages: Real Madrid has advanced twice in the Champions League, and the competition is the team’s playground. That explains why they’ve won it 14 times.
