Got left behind, Manchester City managed to beat Schalke 04 with a score of 3-2 in the first leg of the last 16 of the Champions League at the Veltins Arena on Wednesday (20/2). Manchester City’s three winning goals are scored by Sergio Aguero (18 ‘), Leroy Sane (85’), and Raheem Sterling (90 ‘). The two Schalke goals were scored from the penalty spot by Nabil Bentaleb in the 38th and 45th minutes.
City appeared pressing since the match began and immediately looked for a gap in the Schalke defense. Pep Guardiola’s side finally managed to take the lead in the 18th minute. Sergio Aguero’s hard shot from inside the penalty box managed to rip the Schalke goal which was guarded by Ralf Fahrmann. Left behind, Schalke tried to equalize.
Opportunities came in the 38th minute, after City Defender Nicolas Otamendi made a handball in the penalty box so the referee pointed to the spot. The Spanish referee, Carlos Del Cerro, then gave Otamendi a yellow card while pointing to the spot after asking for VAR confirmation. Nabil Bentaleb who advanced as an executor, was able to complete his task well.
City’s misfortune took place in the 45th minute, after Fernandinho dropped Salif Sane in the penalty box. Bentaleb again became the executor and scored his second goal to make Schalke superior until the end of the first half.
In the second half, The Citizens played very aggressively to equalize. Man City continued to carry out attacks through a ball rolled by Kevin De Bruyne from midfield. However, they had to play with 10 players, after Otamendi received a second yellow card after violating Guido Burgstaller and was sent off. Although playing minus one player, Man City still dominated the game.
The situation made Guardiola swiftly replace a number of players, including entering Leroy Sane. That apparently made City’s attack more dangerous and equalized in the 85th minute. Got a free kick, Sane was able to hit the ball into the Schalke goal. The free kick kick was swift and Faehrmann could not anticipate it. Schalke continued to be pressured by Man City who concentrated on continuing to attack.
Entering the 90th minute, the visitors took the lead again, after Raheem Sterling made use of a long pass from City goalkeeper Ederson Moraes, to score a goal which ensured the Citizens’ victory.
This victory is an important capital for City who will take turns hosting Schalke at the Etihad in the second leg later.
