Man City take a 1-0 aggregate to Wanda Metropolitano in Spain next week, after Kevin de Bruyne’s lone strike won the first leg for The Citizens
By Kehinde Okeowo
Premier League leaders, Man City welcomed La Liga Champions, Atletico Madrid into Etihad Stadium in one of the quarter-finals of the 2022 Champions League on Tuesday night.
The home side dominated possession in the first half but there was no goalmouth action and the half ended in a stalemate, as both sides had no shot on target.
In the 60th minute, the visitors made a triple substitution replacing Koke, Antoine Griezmann, and Marcos Llorente with Rodrigo de Paul, Angel Correa, and Matheus Cunha
Pep Guardiola responded by also making a triple change in the 68th minute, bringing in Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, and Gabriel Jesus, while Raheem Sterling, Ilkay Gundogan, and Riyad Mahrez made way.
The changes by Man City made an instant impact, as they broke the deadlock in the 70th minute when Phil Foden’s pass inside the box found Kevin de Bruyne who slipped the ball under Jan Oblak and into the net to give the hosts the lead.
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The visitors pushed for an equaliser towards the end of the game but the home side were resolute at the back, countering the visitors whenever they could.
The Citizens take a 1-0 aggregate to Wanda Metropolitano Stadium next week, after Kevin de Bruyne’s lone strike won the first leg for them.
After the game, the match-winner, Kevin de Bruyne speaking to BT Sport, said Atletico Madrid was a difficult side to beat because of the way they defended.
He also acknowledged that the encounter is not over and it will be as tight as the game at Etihad when they visit Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in Spain.
He said. “The first half was tight in the second half we had a couple of chances and it was good that we took one.
“I made the run and Phil [Foden] found me perfectly, I needed to stay composed and luckily I did. It’s very hard. They played with almost five at the back and with five in midfield. I recommend anyone that says anything [about us], that they try playing against that on the training ground.”
“We have to stay composed and don’t try to get into their action. It is the way they play. One nil is one nil. I expect similar over there. If the game is tight they will have to attack a little bit more.
On being ready for Liverpool in the Premier League, he added, “It is five days until Sunday. Both teams have played tonight. It is a big game and everybody is looking forward to it including the players.”
