Kevin de Bruyne’s goal gave Man City a home win.
In the first half the opponents did not have a single shot on goal, and after the break the hosts’ captain Kevin de Bruyne distinguished himself.
Highlights
55′ Oblak saves Atlético after a de Bruyne free kick
63′ Laporte shoots over from six yards out
70′ De Bruyne puts City ahead
Match review
“City” dominated the first half, owning the ball 70% of playing time, but the teams did not hit the line before the break.
After the break, the hosts’ attacks became sharper. De Bruyne’s free-kick was saved by Jan Oblak, who later knocked the ball out from under Rodri’s feet. Later, Emeric Laporte shot over the goal after a free-kick.
Both teams made triple substitutions and City’s changes were immediately worth it. Phil Foden put de Bruyne on the ball with almost the first touch and the Belgian opened the scoring.
The goal was the only one, but its importance is hard to overestimate. But the question of who makes it to the semifinals remains open and will be decided in Madrid.
Winner of the PlayStation® Player of the Match Award: Kevin de Bruyne (Man City)
“From the game in the first half, when the attacks were stifled because of their slow development and uncomfortable positions for strikes, it seemed more like he would assist his partners. In the second half his positional play was superb, and his focus on goal in the scoring episode was the key that opened up Madrid’s defense and brought matters to a logical conclusion.
UEFA technical observers
Manchester City correspondent Matt Howarth:
“City deserved to win, but how hard it was to win against Simeone’s team, who struggled to take away a fighting draw from the City of Manchester Stadium. With Atlético now having to make up their minimal deficit, the return match in Madrid next week is expected to be just as exciting, and City should have more freedom in attack.
Atletico correspondent Graham Hunter:
The effort made here by Atletico was unbelievable. His demanding Argentine coach can only point out some absolutely insignificant details in their game. Attitude, yes. A high level of performance – yes. The team spirit, yes. All of that was there. The only one who let up was Reinildo, who thought he could hit Foden, but he failed. That’s what tipped the scales in the match in City’s favour.
Quotes from
Man City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne told BT Sport: “The first half was hard, but in the second half we had a couple of chances, and it was good that we used one of them. I made a breakthrough and Phil [Foden] found me with the perfect pass – I had to keep my composure in that moment, and luckily I managed to do that.
Rio Ferdinand, BT Sport
“It was a test for City – you had to answer a number of questions. Was it possible to penetrate the gap in the defense of such a team, to get through two dense echelons of five players each? It didn’t work in the first half but the team didn’t give up.
Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak: “We all knew it would be hard. We came here hoping for a successful result. We lost, but with the score 0-1 all the fight is still ahead. We defended well throughout the match, the only exception was when we conceded. “City put their focus on possession but we were clear-headed all the way through, closing down the areas nicely. I don’t think it was the opponents’ substitutions. It was just one episode.”
Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola: “We played against an unbelievably good team which is very difficult to play against but in the end we got a good result. We had chances to score the second and the third goal. The guys played well, we knew Gabriel Jesus and Phil Foden had some special energy, and Jack Grealish has a great grip on the ball.
Atletico head coach Diego Simeone: “I have to admit that we thought Foden would be in the starting lineup. I would also say that it’s a pleasure to watch City play. What patience this team has! But both we and our opponent wanted the same thing – to win.
Key statistics
- De Bruyne scored eight of his 11 Champions League goals in the playoffs, including the last six.
- “Atletico has scored only one goal in its last four games in England, in its last meeting against Manchester United.
- “City” won 1-0 at home in the Champions League for the first time in 22 games. In 2017, the Mancunians beat Feyenoord with a similar result…
Fantasy’s best players
Kevin de Bruyne – 11
Emeric Laporte – 8
Nathan Ake – 8
Compositions of
“Manchester City”: Ederson; Joao Cancelou, Stones, Llaporte, Ake; de Bruyne, Rhodri, Gundogan (Fodin 68); Mahrez (Jesus 68), Sterling (Grealish 68), Bernardo Silva
“Atletico”: Oblak; Vrsalco, Felipe, Savich, Reinildo, Renan Lodi; Llorente (Matheus Cunha 60), Kondogbia, Coque (de Paul 60); Joao Felix (Lemar 81), Griezmann (Correa 60)
