Man City vs Atletico Madrid LIVE: Champions League result, final score and reaction as De Bruyne nets winner
Manchester City 1-0 Atletico Madrid: Follow all the action as Pep Guardiola’s side take a quarter-final first-leg lead over Diego Simeone’s LaLiga champions
The Champions League returned on Tuesday night and Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, eventually broke down Atletico Madrid at the Etihad Stadium to take a 1-0 lead in the Champions League quarter-final first leg.
After being frustrated by the visitors for large swathes of the game, City finally made the breakthrough on 70 minutes as Phil Foden slipped in Kevin De Bruyne who finished expertly beyond Jan Oblak and gave them a lead to take into next week’s second leg at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Both Guardiola and opposite number Diego Simeone have faced heartache in the final of this competition with their current clubs, but City remain the favourites to go the distance this time - even if this is proving to be a huge test for the Cityzens in the last eight.
The winners of this tie will progress to face either Chelsea or Real Madrid in the semi-finals of the Champions League, following last month’s draw.
Follow all the reaction as Man City beat Atletico Madrid below:
Man City vs Atletico Madrid
‘Why Pep Guardiola’s history with Diego Simeone will shape Man City’s showdown with Atletico Madrid’. That is the latest article from The Independent’s very own Miguel Delaney.
He feels Simeone could bring out another unpredictable ‘episode’ from Guardiola in the Champions League.
Read the theory in-depth here.
Why Pep Guardiola’s history with Diego Simeone will shape City vs Atletico
Bayern Munich’s suckerpunch defeat by Atletico in the 2016 Champions League semi-finals will be playing on Guardiola’s mind as City try to plot a way through Simeone’s stubborn defensive wall
Man City vs Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has admitted Manchester City have better players than them ahead of tonight’s clash.
The Argentine coach said: “No doubt, Manchester City have extraordinary players. I am sure they have better players than us.
“Manchester City and Bayern Munich are favourites because of the characteristics of their players. But last season Chelsea won - and not many people expected that.”
Man City vs Atletico Madrid
Around 30 minutes until we know the starting line-ups for this evening. This is what Pep Guardiola had to say yesterday when he was asked if he ‘overthinks’ his tactics ahead of big Champions League ties.
He said: “In the Champions League, always I overthink. I overthink a lot. Absolutely.
“That’s why I’ve had good results. I love to overthink and create stupid tactics. Tonight I take inspiration and there will be incredible tactics tomorrow. We’ll play with 12.”
Man City vs Atletico Madrid
Pep Guardiola knows what it’s like to be knocked out of the Champions League by Diego Simeone.
In the semi-finals back in 2016, Simeone masterminded an away goals triumph over Guardiola’s Bayern Munich.
If he can win this tie, it may well be even more impressive.
Atletico Madrid team news
Jose Gimenez has not travelled with the Atletico Madrid squad after being forced off during the weekend victory against Alaves, leaving Diego Simeone without his key central defender.
Hector Herrera returned early from international duty with Mexico after suffering a thigh problem, and it has been reported that the midfielder may miss both legs of this last-eight tie.
Yannick Carrasco is suspended.
Man City team news
Manchester City will be without two defenders, with Kyle Walker suspended and Ruben Dias still making his way back from a hamstring issue.
John Stones did not start the win over Burnley, but Pep Guardiola has suggested that the defender’s place on the bench was a precaution, and he may start.
Man City vs Atletico Madrid
After three quarter-final exits in a row, Guardiola finally guided Man City beyond the last eight 12 months ago when they went all the way to the final.
But Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea side got the better of them in Porto, so the wait goes on for the blue side of Manchester City in their quest to become champions of Europe.
Many regard them as the best club side on the continent, but can they finally prove it?
Man City vs Atletico Madrid
Welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of Manchester City vs Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie.
Pep Guardiola is still awaiting his third Champions League trophy as a manager and his first since winning it with Barcelona in 2011.
But standing in his way this evening and next week is the evergreen Diego Simeone and his canny Atletico Madrid side.
It promises to be a fascinating encounter.
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