Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter for the latest tips and offers Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter
Pep Guardiola's mission to win the Champions League with Bayern Munich was ended last night when his side exited the competition at the hands of Atletico Madrid .
It was the third time in as many season's that the German giants stumbled at the semi-final stage - every time to a Spanish opponent.
Winning the European Cup was the trophy Guardiola, like all managers, coveted above any other during his time at the Allianz Arena. But with a contract signed at Manchester City for him to join this summer, it won't be happening.
Following his side's exit Guardiola insisted he could have given nothing more in the pursuit of the trophy won by his predecessor Jupp Heynckes the season before he took over.
He told Bayern's official website after his side exited the tournament on away goals after a 2-2 aggregate draw with Atletico: "I gave my life for this team, I fought and did my best.
"We played as we wanted to play today but we came up one goal short. I'm sorry, especially for the players."
The season is certainly not over for Guardiola and Bayern Munich. They can still win two trophies this season, with the club in reality needing just one point from their final two league games of the season to win the Bundesliga for a record-breaking fourth straight season. They can add the DFB-Pokal (German Cup) when they play Borussia Dortmund in the final towards the end of the month.
Bayern Munich vs Atletico Madrid - player ratingsShow all 24 1 /24Bayern Munich vs Atletico Madrid - player ratings Bayern Munich vs Atletico Madrid - player ratings BAYERN MUNICH: Manuel Neuer - 6 out of 10 German had precious little to do, save for being beaten by Griezmann for all important
This content is subject to copyright.
Bayern Munich vs Atletico Madrid - player ratings Philipp Lahm - 7 out of 10 Not the attacking force of old but rarely ceded possession and looked forward wherever possible
2016 Getty Images
Bayern Munich vs Atletico Madrid - player ratings Javi Martinez - 7 out of 10 Tough-tackling centre-back won penalty for hosts before unluckily ceding penalty for foul on Torres
2016 Getty Images
Bayern Munich vs Atletico Madrid - player ratings Jerome Boateng - 7 out of 10 Recently returned from injury and brought assuredness to back line but caught out for Griezmann goal
2015 Getty Images
Bayern Munich vs Atletico Madrid - player ratings David Alaba - 7 out of 10 Topped the passing stats and keen to motor forward. Almost found net with deflected effort but poor position for goal
2016 Getty Images
Bayern Munich vs Atletico Madrid - player ratings Xabi Alonso - 6 out of 10 Former Liverpool man opened scoring with deflected free-kick and was a threat with passing and dead-balls
2016 Getty Images
Bayern Munich vs Atletico Madrid - player ratings Arturo Vidal - 7 out of 10 One of Bayern’s more effective attackers and fine header back set up Lewandowski for winner on the night. Favoured shot from distance
This content is subject to copyright.
Bayern Munich vs Atletico Madrid - player ratings Franck Ribery - 6 out of 10 Early attacking intent fizzled out on a frustrating evening for the Frenchman, who was not at his best
2016 Getty Images
Bayern Munich vs Atletico Madrid - player ratings Douglas Costa - 6 out of 10 Quiet showing and replaced by Kingsley Coman late on as Bayern chased the match
2016 Getty Images
Bayern Munich vs Atletico Madrid - player ratings Thomas Muller - 6 out of 10 Again failed from the spot after being brought back into starting line-up. Not able to influence proceedings
This content is subject to copyright.
Bayern Munich vs Atletico Madrid - player ratings Robert Lewandowski - 7 out of 10 Headed wide and denied by Oblak before the break. Close-range header after break maintained his fine record in competition this season
2016 Getty Images
Bayern Munich vs Atletico Madrid - player ratings From the bench: Kingsley Coman - 6 out of 10 Brought on to change the game in German’s favour but unable to replicate his heroics from the Juventus match earlier in competition
Getty
Bayern Munich vs Atletico Madrid - player ratings ATLETICO MADRID: Jan Oblak - 8 out of 10 Despite rare occurrance of conceding two in a match, the Slovene impressed with a number of vital stops and a superb penalty save from Muiller
2016 Getty Images
Bayern Munich vs Atletico Madrid - player ratings Juanfran - 7 out of 10 Never one to shirk the challenge, stood up well to Bayern attacks as hosts dominated possession. Sent shot across goal
2016 Getty Images
Bayern Munich vs Atletico Madrid - player ratings Diego Godin - 8 out of 10 Gave everything to ensure a return to the final, blocking, tackling and covering all night. Did not deserve to go out
2016 Getty Images
Bayern Munich vs Atletico Madrid - player ratings Jose Maria Gimenez - 7 out of 10 Made some vital challenges and blocks but deflection took Alonso free-kick away from Oblak and challenge on Martinez gave away penalty
2016 Getty Images
Bayern Munich vs Atletico Madrid - player ratings Filipe Luis - 7 out of 10 Continues to make Chelsea look silly for letting him depart Stamford Bridge. Strong in the tackle and comfortable going forward
Bayern Munich vs Atletico Madrid - player ratings Gabi - 6 out of 10 Tested Neuer from distance and held the ball up well to run down time. Made number of key interceptions
2016 Getty Images
Bayern Munich vs Atletico Madrid - player ratings Augusto Fernandez - 6 out of 10 Another to impress last week but who did not find things easy in the second leg. Hooked at half-time
Bayern Munich vs Atletico Madrid - player ratings Koke - 7 out of 10 In-demand Spaniard helped set up goal and inspired sporadic Atletico attacks on a night when defence was more to the fore
2016 Getty Images
Bayern Munich vs Atletico Madrid - player ratings Saul Niguez - 7 out of 10 Scored wonderful goal that decided first leg but struggled to effect matters in Munich to the same degree
2016 Getty Images
Bayern Munich vs Atletico Madrid - player ratings Antonie Griezmann - 8 out of 10 Beat offside trap to coolly finish past Neuer and secure place in final. Now Atletico’s leading Champions League scorer
Bayern Munich vs Atletico Madrid - player ratings Fernando Torres - 7 out of 10 Selfless running created chances for Atletico and late penalty miss was rendered meaningless as Bayern were held out
This content is subject to copyright.
Bayern Munich vs Atletico Madrid - player ratings From the bench: Yannick Carrasco - 7 out of 10 Belgian helped visitors eat up time , holding on to the ball to relieve pressure on colleagues
Getty
However Guardiola's failure to win the Champions League with Bayern will be among the things he is best remembered for during his time in Bavaria. And that will only become more acute if his next club, Manchester City, progress further in this season's competition. They play Real Madrid tonight.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies