Today’s match against between Real Madrid and Man. City was nothing short of spectacular. The match had it all whether it be goals, rivalry, aggression, and more. The match featured a total of 5 goals and in the end, it was Real Madrid who prevailed by the score of 3-2.
Information:
This match between the two Giants was to secure a spot in the Round of 16 in the Champions League. While this was the first leg and the second leg will be held on the 20th of February but seems like City’s hopes to advance to the R-16 are now over as many expect that there is no way that City can make a comeback against R. Madrid and that too in Madrid’s home stadium, which is the venue for the 2nd leg.
Champions League Format:
While most might know this but for those who don’t the Champions League format has changed completely from this season and the format is as follows:
The Champions League starting from the 24/25 season will be played in league format and a total of 36 teams will be playing in this tournament. The Top 8 teams will get a direct place in the Round of 16 while the remaining teams will have to go through a two-legged playoff round in order to get a spot in the Round of 16. The rest of the tournament will be played in the old format.
Match Analysis:
It was Real Madrid who secured the win after a tough and intense match against Manchester City. To open the score sheet it was the Norwegian Striker Erling Haaland who opened the scoring for Manchester City with a very classy assist coming from the Croatian Full back Josko Gvardiol.
The first half ended with the score 1-0 for Man. City as they were seemingly dominating over the Kings of the Champions League. This lead was not kept for long as Madrid Striker and Star player Kylian Mbappe scored a stunning volley to equalize the score 1-1. City was quick to respond with a calm and composed penalty from Erling Haaland to take the lead back.
From the beginning of the second half, it was evident that Madrid were not willing to lose before putting up a fight against Guardiola’s City. and so, the comeback from Madrid’s side was on. Moroccan CAM Brahim Diaz scored the second goal for Madrid to equalize the score again. And in the dying minutes of the Game English Superstar and footballing sensation Jude Bellingham scored the final goal for Madrid and put the nail in the coffin for Man. City’s hopes to advance to the Round of 16 of the Champions League.
Rivalry:
It is to note that these teams also seem to have a serious rivalry in the Champions League as in 2022 it was Real Madrid that managed a comeback in the dying minutes of the game just like this one, while in 2023 it was Man. City who destroyed Real Madrid and then went on to eventually win the Champions League.
Controversial Tifo:
The match was played in Man City’s home so the City fans provoked all the Madrid fans and their Star- player Vini Jr. by showing a tifo which stated that City’s player Rodri winning the Ballon d’Or was the right decision. They showed the following tifo at the beginning of the Match.
This Tifo seemed to ignite a fire in Vini Jr. who played so flawlessly in that game that he went on the win the Man of the Match award for the match.
What’s next:
As City’s chances of making it to the Round of 16 seem to be diminishing, it feels that Madrid making the Round of 16 is imminent now. To make it to the Round of 16 City will have to pour their hearts out to beat Madrid and win the 2nd leg at the Bernabeu and make it to the Round of 16.
The highlights for the match are given below:
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