BUDAPEST, 16 MARCH: DE BRUYNE AND GUNDOGAN’S SUPER SCORES GET MAN CITY INTO THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUARTER-FINALS WITH A SMOOTH WIN OVER GLADBACH WHILE RUNNING IN THE HOPE OF A QUADRUPLE.
At the start, both teams were prepared. Joao Cancelo’s ball pass to Phil Foden was successful 10 minutes into the game; however, the latter’s shot was blocked by Gladbach goalkeeper Yann Sommer.
Breel Embolo, on the other hand, took his chance from distance, but his shot bounced off the leg of John Stones, and Man City goalkeeper Ederson arrived just in time to block the ball.
After that, the Citizens had an easy ride. Their quality play began to shine through, and they took the lead.
Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City is congratulated by teammates after scoring against Borussia Moenchengladbach.
Within the 12th minute, Mahrez ensured his pass got to Kevin De Bruyne, who was positioned at the top of the area, after navigating through two defenders. It was the Belgian’s moment, and his powerful left-footed shot went straight into the net off the underside of the crossbar.
This was City’s 100th goal of the season in all competitions. IIkay Gundogan scored the 101st goal.
The German scored his 15th goal of the season after receiving a pass from Foden, who bulldozed his way through the Gladbach defense.
Guardian, Ilkay
Embolo made a second attempt on Gladbach, but he was thwarted. De Bruyne, undeterred, tried again with a spectacular free-kick, but Sommer tipped it over the crossbar.
Despite suffering an injury a few months ago, Bruyne is making a comeback for his team and, predictably, was named “Man of the Match” that day.
If Man City makes the finals, he will unquestionably be required. He is also one of the best-attacking players in the world.
Man City shines, but there are no goals in the second half
City maintained its position at the start of the second half. Despite his desire to score the third goal for Manchester City, Mahrez’s attempts were unsuccessful.
Even though the ball slipped into his feet as a result of Gundogan’s pass, his shot was wide even with both sides open.
Sommer made things difficult for the Algerians as well.
The Gladbach goalkeeper foiled the latter’s first attempt. Despite Bernardo Silva’s efforts to save the situation by selecting Mahrez again, the pass was deflected by Lainer.
The Algerian tried again after Foden’s cut-back landed for Mahrez, but Sommer caught it straight on.
Gladbach’s best start came from Breel Embolo
Gladbach made efforts in the latter period, but they were ineffective. Hannes Wolf, Alassane Plea, and Ibrahima Traore collaborated, but the team effort failed.
“There was a lot of confidence,” Marco Rose told Sky Sports, “but we had to recognize an opponent who was too strong for us.”
“The team did everything they could.” We had shots, but if you give City shots, you won’t get very far. If we get them, we have to take them.
“We came here with a positive attitude, but then we encountered this quality.” The lads are disappointed, and there don’t appear to be any positives right now, but there are some we can take for the next few weeks.
“The way the lads put effort into the game and stood up was the most important thing for me, even though Man City were far superior.” It’s just difficult playing against that team.”
Is a Quadruple in Man City’s Future?
Man City’s victory in Budapest means that if they keep up their current form, they will be the first English team to win all four trophies: Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and League Cup.
However, manager Pep Guardiola is cautious about how the games will unfold. It’s a different story regardless of how strong the team is.
“Sometimes it looks very easy afterward,” Pep Guardiola told BT Sport. We arrived here with a good result [from the first leg] after a good performance, but this competition is tricky.
“We are so serious, and it was easier after the two magnificent goals, but the way we played was really good.” We moved the ball quickly with everyone in their positions… There are also many good players with high quality who do not lose the ball. That is exactly what we require… Everyone was so dedicated, and we are so excited to be moving forward.
“But hopefully the team can keep this up, that we can compete and, more importantly, that we can play a good game.” I believe that when you go through something, you deserve it, and you have to play good games, so we go there and try to play well enough. Let’s wait and see what happens.”
THE DRAW FOR THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUARTER-FINAL AND SEMI-FINAL WILL TAKE PLACE ON MARCH 19TH.
Learn more about: Eleanor Tomlinson, Yuji Itadori