Tensions high as Manchester City advance past Atleti in Champions League
The Atlético Madrid - Manchester City game ended in a score-less tie and a tunnel scuffle, with tensions high both on and off the field.
Manchester City will advance to the semi-finals of the Champions League after their second leg quarterfinal game against Atlético Madrid ended in a score-less tie. In their first leg, City won 1-0.
Tensions were high between the two teams both on and off the field. Atlético was doing everything they could in the final minutes to try and equalize the match. Defender Felipe received a second yellow card for a foul on City’s Philip Foden, which started a brawl between the teams that continued into the tunnel after the final minutes.
TV footage showed Atlético defender Sime Vrsalijko throwing a bottle at a Manchester City player in the tunnel and Savic was involved in an altercation with Grealish. Police ran into the tunnel to take control of the situation.
“What happened on the pitch for the last 15 minutes wasn’t proper football,” said Manchester City’s Aymeric Laporte.
Atleti accused City of wasting time in the final minutes, but City coach Pep Guardiola refused to answer questions about it. Midfielder Rodri, however, admitted that it is sometimes necessary.
“When you are locked behind and there are five to ten minutes left, we have to play with other weapons,” said Rodri.
“These are high-pressure matches,” said Atlético’s Koke. “They are difficult and, in the end, UEFA picks the referees, not us. And they will have to decide whether he continues or not. It’s hard to referee in a match like this, but that’s how it is.”