When the players of Atletico Madrid boarded the plane and left for Manchester to play Guardola’s City, there was no dilemma among the players or the coaching staff what the tactics would be – defend, defend defend, and maybe, just maybe, if there is a chance, try to shoot at the goal. And the goal was almost fulfilled, because for the first time since Diego Simeone took over, Atletico haven’t had a single shot during the game. Even by his standards, it was too much.🇪🇸 Atletico Madrid vs. Man City• 0 shots on target• 0 shots attempted• 0 corners• 0 chances created• 1 cross completedSatanic 👿 pic.twitter.com/sAlP723YRy— Matchday365 (@Matchday365) April 5, 2022 The Argentinian tactician was aware of City’s passing qualities and decided to close up shop, but this time he decided to play without a striker. City somehow managed to score and win against a 5-5-0 tactics, which is extremely difficult, as the Spaniard himself confirmed after the match. “We sensed that they would play 5-3-2, then they adjusted and they became 5-5. In prehistory, today and in a hundred thousand years it is very difficult to attack a 5-5, there are no spaces. They’re strong, we’re small and light. It’s a matter of patience. I told them at half-time that we were fine. The game in the second half was broken. And I already sense that it’s going to be a game similar to the one we’re going to play in Madrid in the minutes after the goal” said Guardiola after the match.De Bruyne finds a gap in Atletico’s wall – City will take a 1-0 lead to MadridAs usual in Atletico games, there were ‘sparks’ between the players of both teams, since the hosts felt that Simeone’s players were targeting Jack Grealish. Angel Correa was booked after kicking a ball at Grealish when the forward lay on the ground.“The referee is there. It’s not my job. Jack reacted really well and stayed focused on what we needed to do. We have to control our emotions and do what we have to do. There will be a referee there. Atletico have known the knockout stages many times and it will be a good test for us with our maturity” Guardiola said.Luis Suárez avoided walking on the Man City badge while entering the Etihad Stadium. 👏 pic.twitter.com/5uNq5UpZOB— 433 (@433) April 5, 2022 The hero of the night was captain Kevin De Bruyne, who managed to break Atletico’s defense and score a goal which could prove to be crucial in this tie. And the Belgium had something to say to all City critics.”It’s very hard, they played almost five in the back and five in midfield. It’s very hard to find spaces, I’d recommend to everyone who says something to us in this game to try in the training pitch. It’s the way they play, it’s their style. We have to stay composed, don’t get into the actions or fight with them. It’s not the way we are as a team, I think we handled it well as a team” he said to BT Sport.FT Manchester City 1-0 Atletico Madrid Atletico Madrid have failed to register a single shot in a match in all competitions for the first time under Diego Simeone. Pep Guardiola celebration for Kevin de Bruyne goal says it all about the #UCL QF match.pic.twitter.com/PUfSISQmcO— ⚽⚽⚽ (@ElijahKyama) April 5, 2022 Atletico’s players tried to ignore the fact that they played ultra-defensive match, even by their standards, and acted as it was just a regular day in the office.”We defended really well throughout the match with the sole exception of their goal. City play using possession as a strength but we were clear-headed all night, we closed space down and I don’t think it was specifically their substitutions that changed the game – just that one moment. It will be different in Madrid, we need to win the game and attack more. In front of our fans, almost 70,000, it will be a really hot atmosphere” said Stefan Savić.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
