Manchester City do just enough and defeat Atlético defensively

Manchester City have just managed to win their first game against Atlético Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. In its own stadium, the team of trainer Pep Guardiola, partly due to the many defending of the Spaniards, created few opportunities. A through ball from Phil Foden, who had just come in, on the accurate Kevin De Bruyne 20 minutes before time was enough for the win: 1-0.

Atlético had eliminated City’s fellow townsman Manchester United in the previous round thanks to a 1-0 win in England. Just like then, Diego Simeone’s team seemed to have traveled to Manchester mainly to avoid conceding goals. With a block of five defenders, City, where Orange international Nathan Aké played the entire game as a defender, deprived City of opportunities in the first half. Atlético themselves did not become dangerous either.

The second half started evenly with more scoring chances for both sides. Atlético created a threat through counters, City especially from set pieces. For example, defender Aymeric Laporte was close to a goal for the English with a header.

The introduction of Foden proved important for the Premier League leader. With a through-pass through the middle, the Briton put De Bruyne alone in front of the goalkeeper, after which the Belgian finished in a controlled manner. It was one of the first times that City managed to create a chance through a played attack. Later, after a good move, Foden gave De Bruyne another opportunity, but his shot was blocked.

Undefeated

Atlético were unbeaten in their last eight games, with Spain’s number 3 winning seven and drawing one.

The return is next Wednesday in Madrid, where it will be determined who qualifies for the semi-final against Chelsea or Real Madrid.