What Pep Guardiola did at full time vs Real Madrid amid Man City change and Antonio Rudiger flashpoint

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Manchester City were knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid in midweek.

Pep Guardiola cut a resigned figure for much of Manchester City's Champions League defeat to Real Madrid.

The City boss had seen his side force a flurry of early chances before their momentum, like the manager's shirt, was checked. Bernardo Silva was sent off for handball on the line after a VAR review and Vinicius Jr converted from the spot.

City rallied but at 4-0 down in the tie the task was too great. Guardiola, booked in the first half, accepted the defeat with good grace in his post-match interview even if there was a clear frustration that the chance of a comeback had been taken away by the officials.

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On the pitch, as the final whistle blew, the City chief paused reflectively before making his way onto the pitch to shake the hands of officials and players.

There was a flashpoint with Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger, who motioned towards Guardiola, causing the Blues boss to lean away. Real manager Álvaro Arbeloa came over to steer the German away but the altercation continued and ended with Guardiola blowing a kiss in Rudiger's direction.

That was at odds with Guardiola's general calmness after the contest as he chatted with players from both teams.

As City's players headed on their customary lap of the Etihad to take in the applause of their supporters, Guardiola was notable by his absence. Instead of participating, as he normally does, the boss headed down the tunnel.

He spoke of pride in both the changing room and his media duties and is confident this City squad are on the right path.

It remains to be seen if Guardiola will be here next season amid continued speculation over his future, but increasingly there is an impression that he wants another year at City.

He's built a new-look side that has shown it is capable of challenging the best in the business, and if this was his last Champions League night in charge of the Blues it was not the ending he would have written. You wonder if he'll pen one more chapter.