Following Manchester City's successful advancement to the Champions League knockout stage, manager Pep Guardiola extended an unexpected gesture of appreciation towards his long-time rival, José Mourinho. City's qualification was cemented after their 2-0 win against Galatasaray, but crucially, it was also facilitated by Benfica's surprising 4-2 triumph over Real Madrid.
Guardiola humorously reflected on the match, noting Benfica's tactical decision to send their goalkeeper forward, which initially puzzled him. He later understood it as a clever strategy employed by Mourinho, whose team's victory inadvertently cleared City's path in the competition. This twist of fate provided a lighthearted moment between two of football's most competitive figures.
This scenario underscores the unpredictable nature of football, where outcomes in one match can have significant repercussions for other teams. It highlights how indirect results, often from unexpected sources, can shape a team's journey through a major tournament, reminding us that even rivals can play an unwitting role in each other's successes.