Stones calls for positivity after Real Madrid setback | OneFootball

Despite immediate feelings of frustration, John Stones has urged City to adopt a hopeful and positive mindset after the heartbreaking 3-2 UEFA Champions League knockout play-off first leg defeat against Real Madrid.

Erling Haaland stroked us ahead after 19 minutes at a packed Etihad Stadium, but Kylian Mbappe levelled on the hour mark in an end-to-end encounter.

Haaland slotted us back ahead from the penalty spot with ten minutes left to play, but late goals from former City man Brahim Diaz and Jude Bellingham handed the visitors a crucial first leg advantage in the tie.

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"Again, a few games after the Arsenal one, I don’t know how to put it into words straight away," declared Stones in an interview after the game.

"It’s so raw and frustrating for everyone, how we were right in the game, until so late in the game, and then two situations that happened and we end up conceding.

"It’s frustrating as a defender to come away with that result. I’m angry and frustrated is what I can say. Today we had a great opportunity to maybe go to the [Santiago] Bernabeu 2-1 up, and now we go there needing a goal just to get level.

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"It’s not done. We have to stay positive which is difficult right now. Especially in the first half we were right on top. We know the quality they have and how they would come out in the second half and they did that. What happened is avoidable from us as the 11 on the pitch.

"We have got to do better and it is as simple as that. I’m the first one to hold my hands up and look at what I can do better for the next game. We have to keep a positive mentality and look forward, and we have another 90 minutes to put this right."

Pep Guardiola's side have now conceded seven times in the final 15 minutes of games in this season's Champions League, and have lost a home game after leading at half time in the competition for the first time since 10 April 2018.

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Stones has urged the team to show grit and determination to protect leads better ahead of next week's critical showdown in Madrid.

"I haven’t got the answer. We need to see out games better that’s for sure," he declared.

"The manager said we need to take accountability for what we do on the pitch and, I think we do that. We have to step up when these bad moments happen in the game.

"We have to review the game and look at ourselves and we have to hold ourselves accountable."