Kevin De Bruyne’s late goal finally broke Atletico’s resistance after a persistent move by the back kept City within breathing distance for most of the match. Simeone’s similar tactics disappointed Guardiola’s Bayern Munich in a famous match for the Champions League in 2016 that saw Atletico go to the final against Bayern. Like Bayern, City struggled to find a way to break down the tactic and create a few clear chances, until Phil Fontaine came off the bench and opened a space that led to the discovery. Guardiola stressed after the match that it is not easy to attack a dedicated defense system like Atletico at the Etihad, saying: “We felt they would play 3-5-2, then they adjusted and went to 5-5-0. In prehistoric times, now and in 100,000 years, it is always very difficult to attack a 5-5 formation “. Offended by the comment, Koke wrote on Instagram about a picture with the emblem of the Atletico club: “In love with your story from prehistoric times, proud to be Atletico”. Koke makes gestures during the match in Manchester City (EPA) The exchange follows an intense game in which both teams seemed to be disappointed at times. An outburst even saw Guardiola himself enter, after Angel Correa kicked the ball to Jack Grillis while the City winger was lying on the ground. Grialis seemed like a specific target for Atletico players to actively compete and then Guardiola warned his team that they would have to control their emotions for the rematch in Spain. “We have to control our emotions and do what we have to do,” said Guardiola. “There will be a referee there and we have to play our game. (Atletico) has faced this kind of knockout many times and it will be a good test for us with our maturity in this game. “Jack reacted very well and stayed focused on what we had to do.” Guardiola said that City should attack and look for more goals in Madrid, instead of staying in its slim lead. “We won the game 1-0 and after 1-0 it was a little different. “All the players are starting to push a little higher,” said Guardiola. “If the game starts on the good side for Atletico, he might return to the game. “Now we have five days to prepare and control the game and try to (see) what we can do to attack a little better and go there not to defend the result and try to win the game.” The second race will take place at the Wanda Metropolitano in Madrid next Wednesday. Before that, City welcomes rival Liverpool for the Premier League title on Sunday.
