Manchester City's tame Champions League exit only reinforces task of revival for Guardiola 

This two-legged meeting, a play-off for a place in the last 16, was certainly not one of them as Guardiola’s side offered little resistance against a Real side seemingly ready to move through the gears as they launch another bid to be crowned European champions.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola applauds the fans. Pic: John Walton/PA Wire.

THE scale of the task confronting Pep Guardiola as he attempts to revive his Manchester City side in the coming months has been clear for some time and only reinforced by the way they slipped out of the Champions League with barely a fight at the Bernabeu.

An absorbing rivalry has grown between City and Real Madrid in recent seasons as they served up a series of thrilling dramatic ties.