Manchester City gained a one-goal lead against Atletico Madrid in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg on Tuesday night. It was Kevin De Bruyne who broke the deadlock at the Etihad 20 minutes from time to make the tie even more intriguing. With these two teams so finely balanced, every goal could prove vital – because you don’t expect to see many of them!Why are Atletico always so aggressive #MCIATL pic.twitter.com/99he1dD7eu— Krishna (@lcfckini) April 5, 2022 Atletico Madrid going away to face a team like Manchester City usually means one thing – it’s going to be tighter than a tight pair of pants on an unusually hot and sweaty day. After the opening 45 minutes, there were no goals, hardly any shots of which precisely none were on target, no saves, no chances and nothing to really get excited about. Atletico have been limited to just 30 per cent of ball possession with hardly and forays into enemy territory. City were knocking on the door but were unable to carve out any chances against Atletico’s firm defensive block.Thankfully, the second half was a bit more open. Heck, even the red and whites had a crack at trying to shoot at goal – albeit extremely poorly.
Jan Oblak was called into action shortly when a free-kick was awarded for City in a dangerous position. De Bruyne tried a wicked low shot, but the Slovenian goalkeeper was alert to drop down low and push it away before clearing it with his foot while he was still on the ground.Phil Foden came on to replace Riyad Mahrez on 68 minutes – and it proved to be a crucial moment. Merely two minutes later, Foden received the ball just outside the area and slid it through the legs of Reinildo and into the path of De Bruyne. The Belgian didn’t hesitate to fire past Oblak into the far corner and finally make all the goal attempts, passes and ball possession count. Phil Foden’s impact makes the difference. He’s only 21 – important point to mention. That’s why Manchester City are prepared to extend his contract since months, never been in doubt. 🔵⭐️ #UCL pic.twitter.com/NkllL4t65C— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 5, 2022 Atletico didn’t change their approach to the game even after conceding. They’ve got their game plan and they’re sticking to it no matter what.Guardiola’s team, on the other hand, tried to repeat the trick and double the lead ahead of the return leg in Madrid.UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUEQuarter-final, first legTuesdayManchester City – Atletico Madrid 1-0 (0-0)/De Bruyne 70/Benfica – Liverpool 1-3 (0-2)/Nunez 49 – Konate 17, Mane 34, Diaz 87/Wednesday22.00: (2.15) Chelsea (3.35) Real Madrid (3.80)22.00: (5.60) Villareal (4.00) Bayern (1.67)***odds are subject to change