“It is hard to keep a clean sheet against such an attacking team. We can be proud of what we have achieved in this first leg”
, Manuel Pellegrini - 26/04/2016
Goals; 0/0
Line Up (4-2-3-1); Hart, Sagna, Kompany, Otamendi, Clichy, Fernando, Fernandinho, Navas (Sterling 77'), KDB, Silva (Iheanacho 40'), Aguero
Stats Possession 48%/52%; Shots 5/11; Fouls 20/12.
So here we are. City’s biggest European game for a generation. The semi-final first leg of the Champions league against Europe’s most decorated club, Real Madrid. Personally, I have a foot in both camps. On the one hand, I never in a million years could have dreamed of us ever being in this situation. Having grown up on the backend of City’s darkest days, Blue drilled into me from birth. Even having lived on the south coast for the majority of my childhood. The idolisation of Goater and watching him give United the run around was enough to keep me content, despite the Chelsea, United, Liverpool ‘bandwagoner’s’ around me forever giving me grief. I always knew City were destined for more, but never had the tangible evidence to back it up. On the other hand, romanticism aside, on their day this City side are up there with the top five teams in the world. We have earned our right to scrap with the giants, so last night we could stop the dreaming and start believing.
City set out there best available European XI, a thigh injury ruling out Yaya saw the Ferna twins take hold of the midfield. There was also the return of Captain, Vincent Kompany at the expense of Mangala (who has been a new player these last few weeks). This was arguably City’s most well-balanced side. While we had our own behemoth out, none quite compare to Real missing Cristiano Ronaldo, who failed a last minute fitness test. A boost for any side that comes up against Madrid.
The first half began as we all had hoped, City were ruthless, not giving the Spaniards time to breathe on the ball. The midfield three of Modric, Kroos and Casemeiro wanted time to slow the game down to their pace, but Fernando and Fernandinho had a different story in mind. No clear cut chances came for either side in the opening 45. Almost like both teams were sizing eachother up, no one really willing to take that gamble for the first blow. Mayweather-esque, two prizefighters ducking and diving flexing their defensive muscles.
Otamendi was always one step ahead of Bale and Benzema, Pepe didn’t give Aguero room to breathe. Any attempt at a counter attack from either side was smartly nullified. Bale’s best attempts at gaining an advantage came from the Welshman’s time spent on the floor as opposed to getting beyond Clichy or Sagna. However, the European style refereeing was all too evident last night, with any sniff of contact being blown up.
Next comes the obligatory ‘Man City injury klaxon’ as Silva pulled up with what looked like a hamstring injury, another blow for City’s attacking forces this season. On came man of the moment Iheanacho, who did not look phased by the occasion, replacing world cup winner Silva in a Champions League Semi-Final. The 19 year old was clean in possession, not taking any risks (as seemed the order of the day).
The second half, while possession remained equal, it was Real who looked the slightly more threatening. It was always going to be a big ask to keep up the fiery intensity for 90 minutes. Modric started to enjoy that slightly longer on the ball which gave him license to orchestrate the attacking talents of Madrid. However, Kompany and Otamendi were as solid as we’ve ever seen them. An exciting prospect for City fans if this partnership is finally given time to bed in.
With Madrid having the majority of the ball in City’s third quarter, there was always the opportunity for KDB to break in trademark fashion. A few promising runs and cut backs into the box, all of which dealt with well by Madrid. Many have said that KDB has a game below his usual exceptional standards, but in my opinion he always looked our most threatening, no less so than Bale.
A special mention goes to England’s number one, Joe Hart. He was colossal once again on the European stage, pulling off instinctive saves. Picks of the bunch coming from corners, a header from Casemiro was blocked with his feet and another from point blank range unleashed by Pepe after a scramble in the box. Once again proving why he is the best keeper in the Premier League (brace for abuse).
After round one, nothing separated the two sides. Aguero was left looking frustrated as he couldn’t quite get a hold of the ball in dangerous areas. With the return leg at the Bernabeu, City have the slight advantage only needing a score draw to progress. With the return of Ronaldo looming, one would think City will have to score. Nevertheless, after being written off as the weakest side left in the competition, at no point did City look out of their depth. Real are likely to go up a gear a week today. City may not be able to match that. One thing is for certain, is that we have come a hell of a way and this intergalactic cruise is not stopping for anyone. We will continue to scrap, as we always have. Typical City.
@PatrickElano
Line Up (4-2-3-1); Hart, Sagna, Kompany, Otamendi, Clichy, Fernando, Fernandinho, Navas (Sterling 77'), KDB, Silva (Iheanacho 40'), Aguero
Stats Possession 48%/52%; Shots 5/11; Fouls 20/12.
So here we are. City’s biggest European game for a generation. The semi-final first leg of the Champions league against Europe’s most decorated club, Real Madrid. Personally, I have a foot in both camps. On the one hand, I never in a million years could have dreamed of us ever being in this situation. Having grown up on the backend of City’s darkest days, Blue drilled into me from birth. Even having lived on the south coast for the majority of my childhood. The idolisation of Goater and watching him give United the run around was enough to keep me content, despite the Chelsea, United, Liverpool ‘bandwagoner’s’ around me forever giving me grief. I always knew City were destined for more, but never had the tangible evidence to back it up. On the other hand, romanticism aside, on their day this City side are up there with the top five teams in the world. We have earned our right to scrap with the giants, so last night we could stop the dreaming and start believing.
City set out there best available European XI, a thigh injury ruling out Yaya saw the Ferna twins take hold of the midfield. There was also the return of Captain, Vincent Kompany at the expense of Mangala (who has been a new player these last few weeks). This was arguably City’s most well-balanced side. While we had our own behemoth out, none quite compare to Real missing Cristiano Ronaldo, who failed a last minute fitness test. A boost for any side that comes up against Madrid.
The first half began as we all had hoped, City were ruthless, not giving the Spaniards time to breathe on the ball. The midfield three of Modric, Kroos and Casemeiro wanted time to slow the game down to their pace, but Fernando and Fernandinho had a different story in mind. No clear cut chances came for either side in the opening 45. Almost like both teams were sizing eachother up, no one really willing to take that gamble for the first blow. Mayweather-esque, two prizefighters ducking and diving flexing their defensive muscles.
Otamendi was always one step ahead of Bale and Benzema, Pepe didn’t give Aguero room to breathe. Any attempt at a counter attack from either side was smartly nullified. Bale’s best attempts at gaining an advantage came from the Welshman’s time spent on the floor as opposed to getting beyond Clichy or Sagna. However, the European style refereeing was all too evident last night, with any sniff of contact being blown up.
Next comes the obligatory ‘Man City injury klaxon’ as Silva pulled up with what looked like a hamstring injury, another blow for City’s attacking forces this season. On came man of the moment Iheanacho, who did not look phased by the occasion, replacing world cup winner Silva in a Champions League Semi-Final. The 19 year old was clean in possession, not taking any risks (as seemed the order of the day).
The second half, while possession remained equal, it was Real who looked the slightly more threatening. It was always going to be a big ask to keep up the fiery intensity for 90 minutes. Modric started to enjoy that slightly longer on the ball which gave him license to orchestrate the attacking talents of Madrid. However, Kompany and Otamendi were as solid as we’ve ever seen them. An exciting prospect for City fans if this partnership is finally given time to bed in.
With Madrid having the majority of the ball in City’s third quarter, there was always the opportunity for KDB to break in trademark fashion. A few promising runs and cut backs into the box, all of which dealt with well by Madrid. Many have said that KDB has a game below his usual exceptional standards, but in my opinion he always looked our most threatening, no less so than Bale.
A special mention goes to England’s number one, Joe Hart. He was colossal once again on the European stage, pulling off instinctive saves. Picks of the bunch coming from corners, a header from Casemiro was blocked with his feet and another from point blank range unleashed by Pepe after a scramble in the box. Once again proving why he is the best keeper in the Premier League (brace for abuse).
After round one, nothing separated the two sides. Aguero was left looking frustrated as he couldn’t quite get a hold of the ball in dangerous areas. With the return leg at the Bernabeu, City have the slight advantage only needing a score draw to progress. With the return of Ronaldo looming, one would think City will have to score. Nevertheless, after being written off as the weakest side left in the competition, at no point did City look out of their depth. Real are likely to go up a gear a week today. City may not be able to match that. One thing is for certain, is that we have come a hell of a way and this intergalactic cruise is not stopping for anyone. We will continue to scrap, as we always have. Typical City.
@PatrickElano
