After Saturday's rout by Spurs, Manchester City were showing England, Europe and the world that their home was a fortress again.
Wellenreuther denied Haaland early by getting to his header. He then flew to the other side to keep out a Phil Foden shot. In hindsight, it will feel like the lack of cutting edge, something that has bothered City through all their recent defeats. In real time it didn't.
When Haaland scored from the penalty he won for a foul by Quinten Timber, he celebrated by kicking the ball again. "With some feeling," said the commentator. Then came the quick second-half goals and by the 53rd minute, the gloom had lifted. The swagger was back, no one had seen the stumble coming.
How could they? As per Opta, never in Champions League had a team leading 3-0 till the 75th minute not won. 3-0 is when Pep Guardiola gives bench players game time. Over the past two seasons it has been the City manager's way of conveying that the match was sewn up. So, in came Kevin de Bruyne, James McAtee and Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, the last named being eased into the Champions League after a difficult outing against Sporting Lisbon when Ruben Amorim said "obrigado" with such flourish.
Not since 1963, when they were relegated, had City conceded at least two goals in six successive matches. Anis Hadj-Moussa, Santiago Jimenez and David Hancko ensured they did on Tuesday.
This story is from the November 28, 2024 edition of Hindustan Times.
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This story is from the November 28, 2024 edition of Hindustan Times.
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