Game. Set. Match. Real Madrid Crushes Manchester City 6-3 on Aggregate

Guardiola's experiments failed.

Real Madrid and Manchester City have regularly clashed in the Champions League knockout stages over the past four seasons. In 2022, Los Blancos came out on top; the following year, City exacted revenge with a dominant win. Last season, the battle lasted until the very last second, with the Spanish giants prevailing only after a penalty shootout.

A week ago, the teams played their 13th match in Europe’s premier competition. The historical record remains dead even — four wins each and five draws. These encounters are often described as "chess football," where the pitch turns into a board and the managers — Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola — play the game. Two of the best tacticians in modern football. Analyzing them individually could take days, if not weeks, so let’s dive straight into the match.

Ancelotti didn’t surprise anyone with his lineup. The only change from the first leg was Antonio Rüdiger’s return from injury to partner in central defense, with Eduardo Camavinga dropping to the bench. Tactically, Ancelotti stuck to a 4-3-3 formation with aggressive pressing, just like in the first leg.

Guardiola, however, took a different approach. He started three of City’s winter signings — Nico González, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Omar Marmoush — while leaving Erling Haaland on the bench. City maintained their 4-2-3-1 setup, aiming for possession-based play through González, quick link-ups with Bernardo Silva, and Marmoush making runs behind the defense. However, defending Real’s left-wing, where Vinícius Júnior operated freely, was a major issue. Khusanov was tasked with marking him, supported by John Stones.

But Real Madrid shattered Guardiola’s plans just four minutes into the match. Kylian Mbappé’s goal was a masterclass in fast transitions and Raúl Asensio’s technical prowess. Meanwhile, City’s attempt at a high defensive line proved disastrous, as captain Rúben Dias lost his position against Mbappé, stumbled in an awkward aerial challenge, and fell, allowing the Frenchman to chip Ederson with ease.

Just four minutes later, things worsened for City. Stones picked up an injury and was replaced by Nathan Aké. By the 25th minute, the game had settled into a lull — but it was the calm before the storm. Half an hour in, Real Madrid struck again, while City once more found themselves in defensive disarray. A near-identical chance to the first goal arose, this time from an Aurélien Tchouaméni pass, but Ederson made a crucial save. However, in the very next attack, Rodrigo’s incisive pass and individual brilliance left Khusanov alone to defend both Mbappé and the Brazilian.

Throughout the first half, Madrid’s intensity forced City into long-ball clearances that rarely found their targets. The first 45 minutes were utterly one-sided, with City only making a brief foray into the opposition’s half in stoppage time, failing to create anything meaningful. It was an utterly dismal, idea-starved half from Guardiola’s team.

After the break, the tempo didn’t drop. Madrid didn't sit on their lead; they stormed out of the dressing room with relentless pressing and attacking waves. Rodrigo, after taking a shot from 20 meters, was first to the rebound, setting up Vinícius and making a run into space.

City looked paralyzed, incapable of any structured possession play. This constant pressure resulted in numerous corners, with Madrid dominating in that aspect as well. After Mbappé completed his hat-trick, the suspense was gone. The final 30 minutes were a mere formality, as Madrid comfortably saw out the game and advanced to the next round with their heads held high.

As for City, one number sums up their night: 0.13 xG. Four shots on target — the first coming in the 75th minute. A completely toothless attack. There wasn’t even a starting point for their build-up play. Nico González didn’t necessarily have a bad game; rather, the entire City squad underperformed. Their possession was sterile, consisting mostly of harmless sideways passes.

City did manage a consolation goal, but it meant nothing. Phil Foden’s two long-range shots were more cries for help than actual goal threats — a testament to the team’s dire need for restructuring. The club is in a deep crisis, requiring a tactical reset and a shift in priorities. Right now, Guardiola’s experiments aren’t working, and, somehow, even the simplest tasks seem impossible for a team of such immense quality.

Published by Patrick Jane
21.02.2025