Champions League: Manchester City triumph over Borussia Mönchengladbach

Silva posing for the shutterbugs after scoring the goal

It was a comfortable victory for Manchester City on Wednesday night in the first leg of the round of 16 against the German underdog team. Though playing on neutral grounds it was a crucial away win for City setting a new English record. It was their 19th successive win in all competitions and 12th away game win breaking the previously held record. Pep Guardiola’s side seems to be looking at their first Champions League glory if they continue this form throughout.

From one Portuguese to another

Silva headed in a wonderful cross from Joao Cancelo to open the scoring in the 29th minute. In the second half, another sublime cross from Joao Cancelo was again headed by Bernardo Silva but this time to lay on the second goal for Gabriel Jesus. The same national duo linked up beautifully.

It was a handsome 2-0 win for the Premier League leaders but Guardiola, however, believes that the scoreline could have been even more comfortable with more precision in front of the goal.

FS Video

He seemed agitated from the side-line but Gladbach keeper Yann Sommer did well to keep things at 2-0.

“In general, we controlled the game. Unfortunately, we were not clinical enough upfront,” Guardiola told BT Sport. “That is something we have to improve in this competition. Upfront we have to be more clinical. In this competition, you have to be perfect to make sure you go through.”

PEP ? Cancelo is playing really well.

Sometimes in that position we have to control the risk but the quality he plays there when he drives with the ball. He's a player with huge quality – his physicality is overwhelming.

His two assists were brilliant.

? #ManCity pic.twitter.com/4Q0FvjYNo5
— Manchester City (@ManCity) February 24, 2021

Gladbach, appearing at this stage of the competition for the first time in 43 years would need something close to a sporting miracle to turn the tie around when the sides meet in Manchester on 16 March. Not to forget that Man City has progressed from all four of the previous Champions League two-legged knockout ties when they’ve won the first leg away from home.

Also Read: ‘He killed my self confidence’: Former Manchester City left back Angelino blasts Pep Guardiola