Manchester City opened the door to a re-entry into the semi-finals of the Champions League with a work win against Atletico Madrid. The leaders of the English Premier League won the quarter-final first leg against the extremely deep Spaniards 1-0 (0-0). Kevin De Bruyne (70th) redeemed the million ensemble from coach Pep Guardiola.
With Ilkay Gündogan as captain, last year’s finalist initially had problems with defensive tactics. Despite almost 75 percent possession of the ball, there was not a single significant chance in the English rain until the break. Madrid, finalists in 2014 and 2016, defended cleverly with two chains of five, Diego Simeone’s plan worked out perfectly.
After the break, however, City became more and more dangerous. A header from Aymeric Laporte (64′) went just over the goal, and a little later it was time: After a fine combination through the centre, Phil Foden served De Bruyne with a clever pass, the Belgian pushed into the far corner with an overview.
Darwin Nunez brings Benfica back to Liverpool only briefly
Jürgen Klopp is also well on the way to the Champions League semi-finals with Liverpool. In the first leg of the quarter-finals, the Reds prevailed 3-1 (2-0) at Benfica Lisbon on Tuesday evening. Ex-Leipziger Ibrahima Konaté (17th minute), Sadio Mané (34th) and Luis Díaz (87th) scored for the English. Darwin Núñez (49th) scored the interim goal for Benfica.
At the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon, Klopp initially experienced a relaxed evening. The hosts around national player Julian Weigl were deep and limited to counterattacks. However, the Portuguese could not contain the offensive violence of Klopp’s team around the attackers Mohamed Salah, Díaz and Mané. After just over 15 minutes, defender Konaté headed into the goal to take the lead. Before the break, the guests followed up with a quick counterattack, which Mané completed from close range on Díaz’s assist.
Everything came down to a confident performance by the guests – until Konaté made a mistake. After a low cross from Rafa Silva, the Frenchman went wide and Darwin, who was lurking behind him, responded with a goal. Spurred on by the roaring crowd, Benfica pressed for an equaliser, but the Reds almost silenced the arena just before the end. After a fine pass from Naby Keita, Díaz rounded the Benfica keeper and made the final score.
