Real Madrid becomes only the third side to score three against Pep Guardiola’s side all season but that was no thanks to the fact that the Citizens play without either of their fullbacks on the night.
Joao Cancelo of Manchester City celebrates victory after the game during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg Two match between Atletico Madrid and Manchester City at Wanda Metropolitano on April 13, 2022 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Diego Souto/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Joao Cancelo, suspension and Kyle Walker, injured were both missing as Vinicius Junior enjoyed an eventful evening on the flank in Manchester, with Real able to put three rather cheap goals past Ederson in the City goal.
Manchester City had to start John Stones, who is a centre half at the right wing back position but after injury forced the Englishman off in the first half, Pep Guardiola was left with no other option than to play Fernandinho, a midfielder in that position.
Though there were good times just like the interception on Vinicius Junior in the build up to City’s third goal, but it was clear as day that the 36 year old struggled for pace against his much younger countryman.
It is very difficult to have a player not used to a position take it up, even worse when up against a player who is one of the best around this season.
City however can improve on the defensive front when they play the second leg at the Bernabéu on Wednesday as their reliable Portuguese defender, Joao Cancelo has returned from suspension and will take that position much to the relief of everyone around the club.
Cancelo, 27, returned to the City XI for the trip to Leeds United and put in a sensational performance at both end, reminding everyone the missing piece in the Manchester City team that let in three against Real Madrid in the midweek.
A 4-0 win suggests it was a total domination but that was not the case at Elland Road as the host were dangerous throughout the 90 minutes and the scoreline would have also suggested the same but due to some poor finishings and terrific defending on show.
Former Juventus man, Cancelo bossed the game from right back and made 112 touches, which is the most for any player in the game. He won all of his tackles, duels and completed three takeons against a Leeds side very rapid on the attack.
Despite not registering a goal contribution, he ranked better than almost all the players in the pitch at Elland Road and his presence was felt at both end, mostly when he denied the host twice with goal line clearances.
It is obvious Real Madrid will want to be on the front foot at home and it is positive enough for City that they have Cancelo back, who can help them transform defence into attack very quickly with his pace, great decision making and passing.
Manchester City hold a 4-3 advantage ahead of the second leg against the record winners of the Champions League, who has never overturned a semi final first leg deficit in all the eight times they’ve attempted it, and City will be no underdog against the La Liga Champions elect.
Kyle Walker is expected to sit out which is another blow for the last year losing finalist but the return of Cancelo can help them limit the impact of Vinicius Junior, who has been one of the major danger for any side facing Los Blancos this season.
Author: Kehinde Hassan Afolabi