Manchester City – Borussia Mönchengladbach: Citizens Coast To Quarter-Finals (2-0)
Setting the tone for European conquest with a 2-0 win in the first leg, Manchester City looked to finish off the job. Relentless from the off, their fluid 4-3-3 system caused all manner of problems for Borussia Mönchengladbach, putting the tie to bed early in a routine display.
Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere.
Manchester City have simply been imperious in 2021. Boasting a nearly flawless record, they sit fourteen points clear of their city rivals in the league. But while a third league title in the last four years looks to be a formality, Europe remains a mountain they are yet to top. Two goals to the good in this tie, the hosts now aimed to see out their lead and move into the final eight of the competition.
On the other hand, Borussia Mönchengladbach's form has tailed off. Winless in over a month, results have left sitting tenth place in the league table, dumped out of the cup, and on the brink of exiting Europe. Falling short despite a spirited first leg display, they now needed a minor miracle to progress.
Pep Guardiola set up his side in their typically fluid 4-3-3 structure. Easing to a win in the first leg, the manager only changed one name from the team that started in that match. Kevin de Bruyne came into the side as Gabriel Jesus dropped to the bench.
Marco Rose used a 4-2-3-1 shape in this match, tweaking the
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