The Citizens beat Madrid 1-0 in a match that pitted two totally opposite systems of play against each other. Meanwhile, Liverpool won 1-3 against a tough Benfica to claim big booty in England.
Atlético Madrid entered the pitch at the Etihad Stadium, ignoring Pep Guardiola’s previous analysis. The Spaniards were not “more attacking than you think”, as the Manchester City coach had anticipated, in the duel that marked the quarter-final first leg of the Champions League. The ColchonerosWe defended with two lines of five and most of the time they played in their own turf.
That’s why it’s no surprise that the English quickly take control of the game and João Cancelo becomes the home side’s puppeteer. The by Diego Simeone never got off his lines and kept City from scoring the goal for the entire first half.
It wasn’t until minute 53, and after a backlash misused by the visit, that Kevin De Bruyne managed to warm the hands of goalkeeper Jan Oblak with a low free kick. The fight seemed more even, even a bit more open, until the dashboard opens as it usually does in these types of events: with a bang.
It was in the 69th minute, when newcomer Phil Foden (Riyad Mahrez on the left) delivered a pass that dislodged three Atlético defenders and left Kevin De Bruyne alone in front of goal, who beat Oblak with a cross definition.
After that, both teams appeared to be keeping score. As the hosts looked for new opportunities, they also let Atlético take some of the limelight. Beyond the intentions of the two actors, the marker did not move. The The key will remain open until next Wednesday, April 13 at 3:00 p.m.
Liverpool embrace
In the other match of the Champions League quarter-finals, they played the surprising Benfica and the mighty Liverpool. And the category of the English was demonstrated from the start Well, defender Ibrahima Konaté took advantage of a corner served by his teammate Andrew Robertson, to open the account with a fearsome header (17′).
But the visit was not going to be satisfied with this result and asked for more. This is how Luis Díaz assists Sadio Mané so that he places a right hand from close range and puts the reassuring 0-2 (34 ‘). The inhabitants seemed not to feel the blow and the second half has just startedat 49′, Darwin Núñez put the surrender and a warning for those who believed that they would be delivered easily.
Indeed, at 52′ and 55′, they had the opportunity to level the score with two arrivals from Núñez himself and in the 60s, Éverton had an unbeatable chance that Alisson Becker saved in a formidable way .
Residents felt the commotion and Gradually they faded, allowing the visit to become the protagonist again. Attitude that led them to have several approaches, until Naby Keïta sent a deep pass to Luis Díaz to seal the 1-3 in the 87th minute. The return match will be played on Wednesday April 13 at 3:00 p.m.
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Source: Latercera
I am Sandra Jackson, a journalist and content creator with extensive experience in the news industry. I have been working in the news media for over five years. During this time, I have worked as an author and editor at various outlets producing high-quality content that attracts readers from different demographics.
