Manuel Pellegrini: Manchester City did not deserve to lose against Juventus

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has claimed that his side did not deserve to lose 2-1 to Juventus in their opening game of this season's Champions League.

Juventus came from behind to hand Manchester City their first defeat of the campaign as Mario Mandzukic and Alvaro Morata gave the Italian champions an opening 2-1 win in Group D of the Champions League on 15 September.

Premier League leaders City were fortunate to go ahead after 57 minutes when Vincent Kompany, climbing all over Giorgio Chiellini, saw the Italian defender head an own goal in as the home skipper wheeled away to celebrate instead of being punished for a foul.

But Juve pulled level in the 70th minute when Mandzukic touched the ball in off the post after midfielder Paul Pogba sent in a high cross from the left.

It was the first goal City had conceded after five domestic league wins so far this term, but worse followed when Morata scored with a 20-metre left-foot curler in the 81st minute.

City manager Manuel Pellegrini thought his team had played the better football.

"I think it was a strange game, I do not think we deserved to lose this game, we played better than Juventus and had three clear chances to score, [Gianluigi] Buffon made good saves and we were unlucky, especially their first goal. We played against a strong team, we had not many options, but we controlled the game and I don't remember Juventus creating any chances close to our goal," said Pellegrini.

He also said people should not read too much into the loss.

"I don't think we need to learn from other years. The last two seasons we also started by losing the first game and both seasons we qualified for the next stage. We are just starting, but it was a game we did not want to lose here at home as it is three very important points, but at this stage the group is just starting. I repeat in the last two seasons we also started with a loss," said the Manchester City boss.

Manchester City will next play West Ham United in the Premier League on 19 September. Their next fixture in the Champions League will be on 30 September against Borussia Mönchengladbach.