FODEN'S INSTANT IMPACT SEALS A NARROW CITY VICTORY

Kevin De Bruyne beats Jan Oblak in a narrow 1-0 win, a well-deserved victory for City who finally broke down Atletico's stubborn defence after 70 minutes. Phil Foden claimed an exquisite assist with his first few touches off the bench.

After a dull first half in which Man City attempted to break down Atletico's 11-man defence, Pep Guardiola's side eventually managed to take the lead. De Bruyne was slotted through on goal thanks to Phil Foden, he remained composed and placed the ball into the far corner.

There hadn't been many clear-cut chances before the goal, however Laporte was gifted a free header in the box, unfortunately for City the Spaniard couldn't convert. Additionally, Raheem Sterling wasn't gifted a penalty after Reinildo sent him to the floor in the penalty area.

Towards the end of the fixture, Atletico Madrid players began to get agitated and a brawl broke out near the manager's technical area. Jack Grealish had been targeted since the moment he was substituted for Gundogan. Correa booted the ball at Grealish's face which sparked conflict; Guardiola had to drag his £100 million man away from the crowd.

A slow first half

Diego Simeone inevitably set up his side very defensively to stop City taking the lead. City kept possession the majority if the first 45 minutes, however they were unable to find a way through the disciplined Atletico wall.

An impressive defensive show from the Spanish champions, although this tactic looked to be very difficult to maintain over the first half, and they still had another to go. Manchester City got through on some occasion, but there was no clear-cut chance to get a goal. Surely it would be only a matter of time before City would find a way.

Laporte can't convert free header

Man City won a corner 15 minutes into the second half, a fantastic opportunity to snatch a goal. Kevin De Bruyne swung it into the penalty area, where Laporte finds himself unmarked just outside the 6-yard box.

The Spanish international couldn't quite get over the ball as his header landed on the roof of the net. Unlucky for City, who still hadn't managed to question Jan Oblak properly in this fixture.

Manchester City plead for a penalty

Raheem Sterling's final involvement in the game - before being substituted for Gabriel Jesus - almost earned his side a penalty. Atletico defender Reinildo bundled the Englishman to the floor, preventing him from reaching the ball.

Whistles echoed round the Etihad due to Istvan Kovacs refusing to award the spot kick. City fans felt their winger had been brought down unfairly in the box. This was the second time in the game Sterling had gone down asking for a penalty, the previous one however was much less convincing.

De Bruyne slots in home

With only 20 minutes remaining, City finally found a gap in Atletico's defence. Kevin De Bruyne remained composed against Jan Oblak to give Man City the lead. Phil Foden made an instant impact off the bench, providing the assist for the Belgian.

Foden eased past Reinildo before threading it through to De Bruyne. He aimed for the far post and tucked it away beautifully. Pep Guardiola's men took their chance when they finally broke through the sturdy Atletico team.

Off to the Wanda Metropolitano

Kevin De Bruyne goal was all that separated the two sides on the night; a delicious ball from Foden to create the opportunity. Diego Simeone headed straight down the tunnel at full time, refusing to shake Guardiola's hand.

Guardiola didn't seem to mind; he had got the victory that Manchester City undoubtedly deserved and worked extremely hard for. Pep was more focused at full time on keeping an eye on Jack Grealish, who was involved in more altercations after the final whistle, due to his aggravation of being targeted when he came on.

Manchester City head to Madrid next Wednesday on April 13th at 8pm. A game that is still all to play for with Atletico only needing to recover from a one goal deficit.

What's Next?

Next match report = Real Madrid vs Chelsea

Tuesday 12th April 8pm

Line-ups:

Manchester City – (4-3-3) Ederson, Cancelo, Laporte, Ake, Stones, Gundogan (Grealish 68’), Rodri, De Bruyne, Sterling (Jesus 68’), Silva Mahrez (Foden 68’)

Bookings - Gabriel Jesus (85’ misses next leg), Ederson (90+2’)

Scorers - Kevin De Bruyne (70’)

Atletico Madrid – (5-3-2) Oblak, Renan Lodi, Reinildo, Felipe, Savic, Vrsaljko, Koke (De Paul 60’), Konodogbia, Llorente (Cunha 60’), Felix (Lemar 81’), Griezmann (Correa 60’)

Bookings - Rodrigo De Paul (69’), Angel Correa (83’), Vrsaljko (90+2’)

Scorers – N/A

Referee: Istvan Kovacs

Attendance: 52,018

MOTM: Kevin De Bruyne

Written by Isabelle Newnham