Manchester City Win 2 Domestic Cups as Real Madrid Dump Them Out 5-1 in Europe
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · May 22
Manchester City Win 2 Domestic Cups as Real Madrid Dump Them Out 5-1 in Europe
11 articles · Updated · The Guardian · May 22
Two domestic trophies capped Manchester City's 2025-26 season, with wins over Arsenal in the League Cup final and Chelsea in the FA Cup final after a difficult start.
A summer rebuild produced a fresher squad but needed time to settle into Pep Guardiola's system, and City lost two of their first three league matches before a four-game winless run in January.
That slump left a title push looking unlikely, yet City rallied strongly enough to keep Arsenal under pressure almost to the finish.
Europe again exposed the gap to the elite, as Real Madrid beat City 5-1 on aggregate in the Champions League last 16.
The season followed a trophyless 2024-25 campaign and suggested Guardiola's rebuild restored domestic competitiveness without solving City's recurring Madrid problem.
Did Guardiola's final season prove his famous possession-based philosophy is no longer unbeatable?
After a decade of dominance, can anyone successfully replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City?
Will the unresolved financial charges ultimately redefine Guardiola's entire Manchester City legacy?
Manchester City 2025/26 Season: Domestic Cup Double Triumph Amid Champions League Heartbreak and Guardiola’s Farewell
Overview
Manchester City's 2025/26 season was a story of contrasts, marked by domestic triumph and European disappointment. Their Champions League hopes ended in the Round of 16 after Real Madrid's dominant 5-1 aggregate win, highlighted by Vinicius Junior's decisive goals and a costly red card for Bernardo Silva. Despite this setback, City bounced back at home, winning both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup to secure a rare domestic double. As Pep Guardiola departs after a trophy-laden era, the club faces a new chapter, aiming to build on young talent and finally achieve consistent European success.