Kevin De Bruyne's crucial goal gives an edge to Manchester City after they beat Atletico Madrid by 1-0 during the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.
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Manchester City secured a crucial 1-0 win against Atletico Madrid at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday evening during the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final. Phil Foden’s assist led Kevin De Bruyne to score the only goal of the game.
Pep Guardiola’s men put up quite a show as they outdid Atletico Madrid in every department. The hosts stood assertive over Diego Simeone’s side from the very first minute. Meanwhile, the Spanish giants were unimpressive – who simply sat back defending in City’s box.
The Sky Blues were utterly exceptional in the second half of the game – displaying an intensity to at least find the back of the net. However, it was in the 70th minute that Pep’s squad found a breakthrough. Phil Foden, the young Englishman, glided past Atletico’s back-line and likewise set up De Bruyne, who scored past Jan Oblak.
Having said so, Atletico Madrid will be looking to spice things up in the second leg of the quarter-final at the Wanda Metropolitano next Wednesday. But first, know about major talking points from Tuesday’s thrilling fixture.
Phil Foden set up Kevin De Bruyne just minutes after coming off the bench. His impressive ball control ability helped Manchester City break through Atletico Madrid’s back-line.
This further allowed De Bruyne to strike the ball past Jan Oblak, to score a stunner, and thereby secure a crucial win over Los Rojibalncos.
In many instances, City was seen ruling the game as Atletico did not pose a threat. Diego Simeone’s side let alone failed to register a single shot on target the entire game.
The Frenchman, Antoine Griezmann, as well as Joao Felix were not able to convert their chances. Joao Cancelo, John Stones, Aymeric Laporte, and Nathan Ake orchestrated a perfect symphony on the pitch – in the end, allowing them to be frightfully superior over Atletico.
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Pep Guardiola had an upper hand over Diego Simeone in regard to the starting eleven. Simeone side-lined Luis Suarez, while putting Griezmann and Joao Felix upfront – who within their means failed to materialize their chances during the game.
The Uruguayan forward scored a brace against Alaves in the league game over the weekend. So, he is benched for such a big game does raise some eyebrows. Even with Atletico having a slim chance to turn the tide during the second leg, it will be interesting to see how the Argentine boss rotates the squad or bring certain changes.
