De Bruyne and Foden find a chink in Atlético’s armour

The man-of-the-match trophy at the Etihad Stadium last night went to Kevin de Bruyne, that Belgian lad who looks a bit like Elizabeth II’s grandson. It was richly deserved. Not only because of his winning goal - a shot fired right into the corner that gave Jan Oblak no chance - but because of everything he did. He’s a player with a difference; a wonderful, industrious, intense player. De Bruyne and Phil Foden, who had just come on, managed to open up the only gap in a sturdy Atlético Madrid defence, and that was enough to win the game for City. Pep Guardiola had just made three substitutions, Atlético hadn’t yet reacted to the changes, and Los Rojiblancos’ backline lost its shape sufficiently to allow Foden to find De Bruyne.

If De Bruyne was the best player on the pitch, Foden was the second best. His introduction improved the hosts’ attack, which had hitherto gained little from Raheem Sterling’s disordered forward forays. Rather than trying to create a dangerous attacking move, he was too busy looking for a penalty. As expected, it was a tight game, with Atlético sitting and waiting, and City on the front foot, pressing the visitors energetically and then searching for a chink in their armour. Atleti’s plan almost came off. They got things wrong just for an instant, when Reinildo was caught out of position, Felipe failed to cover the gap and two top players linked up to great effect. That sole goal leaves City in the driving seat in the tie.

It’s a shame, because Atlético’s plan had been all about stopping City from scoring. They defended with two banks of five, with Antoine Griezmann and Joao Félix sacrificed out on each wing in the first of those banks. While it’s fair to say Atleti neutralised City except for that one occasion, it’s also fair to say that, in exchange, they didn’t come close to testing Ederson. A 1-0 scoreline leaves you with the sense of an Atleti mission only partially accomplished. It’s all set up now for an exciting return leg at the Wanda Metropolitano in eight days’ time. Atlético have the talent up front to put City on the ropes, but that will come at a cost of allowing the Premier League champions more space than yesterday.