Guardiola's Wembley Win: City Lift Carabao Cup as Real Madrid's chatter fades
23 March 2026
What happened
\nPep Guardiola yesterday led Manchester City to the Carabao Cup title, as they defeated Arsenal 2-0.
\nThe trophy is Guardiola's 19th in charge at the English club since arriving in 2016, coming five days after their Champions League exit to Real Madrid in the Round of 16.
\nMundo Deportivo reported Guardiola ignored talk of Real Madrid when weighing the importance of this trophy, his fifth English League Cup.
\nGuardiola, after the Wembley triumph, said, "Celebrate with happiness and satisfaction, because Arsenal, alongside Bayern Munich and perhaps Barcelona, is one of Europe\'s best teams."
\nThese remarks did not go unnoticed in Madrid, while Barcelona welcomed them, as they hint at the Catalan club Guardiola defended as a player and would later coach.
\nAlso read
\nGuardiola shocks the Moroccans... warns of the collapse of the world
\nRead also: Guardiola\'s bold verdict that shook a continent and a reminder that football sometimes comes with popcorn.
\nPunchline 1: If Guardiola\'s trophy cabinet gets any fuller, the cleaning staff will need a wider staircase to polish the glass.
\nPunchline 2: And if Real Madrid keeps hearing the word \'Madrid\' in the room, City might start selling popcorn at the Bernabeu—cheaper than therapy for Madrid fans.
