The Champions League last 16 playoff first-leg clash at the Etihad on Tuesday evening saw Erling Haaland score twice to put City in the driver’s seat. However, Real Madrid mounted an impressive comeback, with goals from Kylian Mbappe, Brahim Diaz, and Jude Bellingham turning the match in their favour. With City leading 2-1 and less than 10 minutes remaining, Guardiola’s men appeared to be in control. But a lack of composure, defensive lapses and Madrid’s relentless pursuit of goals saw Diaz and Bellingham strike late, giving them the upper hand ahead of the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.
WHAT ROONEY SAID
Speaking after the match on Amazon Prime, Rooney criticised City’s tactical approach and suggested the players lacked the belief that had previously defined their success under Guardiola.
“I think there was a lot of naivety from Manchester City – especially later in the game,” he told Prime Video. “For me, I think Manchester City’s players over the last few years you have seen a strong belief and confidence. The players tonight were looking round at each other, almost with a lack of belief in each other, and I think that is a worry for Guardiola. Real Madrid have come here without any of their back four and I don’t think we have heard Carlo Ancelotti talk about that once.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Rooney further stressed that City’s game management in the final stages was poor, suggesting that they should have adopted a more pragmatic approach once they were in the lead.
“When you are 2-1 up against Real Madrid with a game coming up at the Bernabeu, you have to say ‘let’s be sensible’, let them have the ball in their half, reset,” the Manchester United legend stated.
DID YOU KNOW?
One of the key figures under scrutiny after the match was goalkeeper Ederson, whose performance left many City supporters frustrated. The Brazilian was at fault for Madrid’s second equaliser and questions were asked about his decision-making after Bellingham’s winner in the second minute of stoppage time.
WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER CITY?
With the defeat, City now face a daunting challenge as they head to Madrid for the second leg next Wednesday, knowing that anything less than a victory will result in an early Champions League exit. However, before their trip to Spain, City will need to regroup quickly as they prepare to face Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday. Guardiola will be desperate for a strong response from his players, knowing that confidence and momentum will be crucial ahead of the return leg at the Bernabeu.
