Bournemouth were the better side on the night and led 1-0 at halftime thanks to a brilliant Junior Kroupi goal.
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They looked the more likely to extend their advantage in the second period, but weren’t able to and Erling Haaland drew City level deep into stoppage time, but that didn’t matter as the Cherries held on for a draw to book their place in Europe next season.
Iraola told the Daily Echo: “Today I think it was a difficult game for City. They are coming from a busy schedule.
(Image: John Walton)
“They played a cup final three days ago. It's not because you play a game three days ago and you are going to be a little bit more tired. But they are used to this.
“I think the tension of a final, even in the muscles, it's not the same. I've played some finals and it doesn't matter what happens, you need time to recover for those emotions.
“And I think it was difficult for City today, and I think we've benefited from it.
“I don't want to take anything from my team, from my players. I think we played really well. But from their side, I think it was a difficult game in terms of schedule.”