Bayern Munich is upset by Manchester City this time. Erling Haaland took a step closer to the last four of the Champions League with a 3-0 home win on Tuesday. The battle at the Etihad Stadium was not limited to Man City vs Bayern. Thomas Tuchel’s duel with Pep Guardiola was also the center of attraction.
Two years ago, when Tuchel was in charge of Chelsea, they beat Man City in the Champions League final. That pain still hurts Pep. Perhaps Pep beat the Bayern manager in a battle of wits in Tuesday night’s last-eight first-leg tie at home.
That’s why Pep said in the press conference after the match, “The match was not easy at all. The pressure was high.”
With Haaland alone up front against his old team, Pep made it clear at home that he wanted to dominate the midfield from the start by lining up the team in a 3-2-4-1 formation. The Bayern manager’s weapon was a 4-2-3-1 formation. His plan was to strengthen the defense and stop the attacking storm of Haaland and Jacques Grealis. But from the beginning of the match, his strategy was destroyed by Haland’s team.
Rodri made it 1-0 with a powerful shot from Benardo Silver’s pass in the 27th minute. Man City had the opportunity to go ahead again in the 34th minute. Ilkay Gundogan’s cross was brilliantly saved by Bayern goalkeeper Yann Sommer. Bayern’s players were desperate to turn around at the start of the second half. Leroy Sane’s shot was saved by Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson. Benardo made it 2-0 in the 70th minute, with Haaland at the back. Within six minutes Norway striker John Stones scored from a header.
Manchester City’s place in the last four is virtually assured, according to football experts, after a 3-0 win over Bayern.
“One match is not enough to knock out a team like Bayern,” said the cautious Pep. In another Champions League match, Inter Milan beat Benfica 2-0.
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