GELSENKIRCHEN • If Pep Guardiola learnt anything from a chaotic night in Germany's industrial heartland, it was that you cannot keep a good narrative down.
Leroy Sane had been left on the bench for his return to Schalke and it did not seem an unreasonable decision given the manner that Manchester City went about their business clinically, taking the lead through Sergio Aguero.
However, the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie turned on its head after the video assistant referee (VAR) twice intervened to award spot kicks, which were converted by Schalke midfielder Nabil Bentaleb.
Nicolas Otamendi was then sent off after the break and City's away record in Champions League knockout games going into this fixture, with five of their last eight matches ending in defeat, was under scrutiny again.
But Sane's rocket of a free kick with five minutes left and Raheem Sterling's route-one goal in added time spared City's blushes, giving Guardiola's men a 3-2 victory at the Veltins Arena on Wednesday.
Afterwards, the former Schalke academy product admitted to feeling "sorry" for his equaliser.
He said: "I couldn't really celebrate. Of course I was pleased for my team, but to score a goal like that against my former love...
"It was very emotional for me to be back in my home town... At the end, we scored three goals away, that's the most important thing."
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand felt Guardiola did not err in naming Sane only as a substitute as the Germany winger has "the end product and is a killer in that sense of the game".
He told BT Sport: "He comes on, makes a huge impact and that's what defines great teams as well. He just looks like poetry in motion the way he plays. He glides across the pitch."
8
Leroy Sane has scored three goals and set up five in his last seven appearances for Manchester City in all competitions.
However, Guardiola conceded that City could not continue to rely on individual brilliance to bail them out of trouble as "it is not enough at this level".
Calling on his side to stop giving opponents "options to be in the game" - Schalke took full advantage of their only two shots on target - he said: "We have some work to do. To go away and score three goals, I am delighted, but... we have to improve on that (defending)".
The Spaniard also backed the VAR despite a delay of over three minutes, after a technical error meant referee Carlos del Cerro Grande could not check Otamendi's handball for Schalke's first penalty.
He added: "The VAR needs time, they will improve, the screen was broken but, next time, they will be better.
"I support the technology because they (the match officials) need the help."
The Premier League champions are the only English club still capable of securing an unprecedented quadruple this season.
They will also be without Fernandinho, who was booked for the second spot kick, for the return leg at the Etihad on March 12.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, THE GUARDIAN
Solskjaer extends perfect record as Man United beat Newcastle Ole Gunnar Solskjaer joined Matt Busby in the Manchester United record books on Wednesday as his inspirational decision to bring on Romelu Lukaku as a substitute paid immediate dividends in a 2-0 victory against Newcastle.
Solskjaer will break incredible Guardiola record if Man
'Expired' Molde deal to ease way for Solskjaer Related Story Football: Solskjaer has restored United's culture and identity, says former treble teammate Schmeichel
Solskjaer confirms his contract in Norway has expired
Sport > Football > European Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Malcom shines in Lionel Messi's absence as Philippe Coutinho struggles. Lucas Vazquez gave Real an early advantage but Malcom hit back for
The Straits Times - Breaking News, Lifestyle & Multimedia News
Former Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has earned a world fortune from being sacked as a manager. The Portuguese's time at Old Trafford came to a halt on Tuesday morning after two and a half
Jose Mourinho told Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich: 'Pay me
SOCCEROOS' NEED FOR SPEED. Like they did in the loss to Japan last week, the Caltex Socceroos are likely to dominate possession and field position against Thailand. The visitors are likely to put plenty of men behind the ball, and Leckie says the speed of ball movement will be vital if Australia hopes to rack up a big score.
Speed, adaptibility hallmark of Socceroos coach Graham Arnold
LIVERPOOL, England (REUTERS) - Bayern Munich showed all their Champions League experience and quality organisation as they held Liverpool to a 0-0 draw in the first leg of their last 16 match at
Solid and smart Bayern hold Liverpool at Anfield | Reuters.com
Gareth Bale '100 per cent' committed to Real Madrid despite speculation over his future, claims agent Description: Bale played the full 90 minutes when Real suffered a shock 1-0 defeat against lowly Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, but Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane later questioned whether he was fully focused.
Bale '100 percent' committed to Real, claims agent - Punch
Chelsea have identified a possible replacement for Maurizio Sarri should the Italian leave the Blues and become Juventus' new manager. Sarri replacement who could help tie star down to a new
The reason Maurizio Sarri does not want to start Callum
Qatar head coach Felix Sanchez has admitted that his team's semifinal against hosts United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday will be the most difficult match yet in the AFC Asian Cup 2019.
Japan leave Asian Cup final dressing room 'spotless' with
Romelu Lukaku scored twice to make light work of Manchester United's injury crisis with a comfortable Premier League victory over Crystal Palace. Lukaku double inspires Man United to 3-1 win
Football news - Romelu Lukaku double seals Manchester United
Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher agree Arsenal not favourites to finish in top four ahead of Man Utd or Chelsea. Carragher on Arsenal's run-in: But they're not easy games away from
Arsenal have the easiest title run in of the top 4 teams
Southampton secured their Premier League status for another year after a thrilling 3-3 home draw with Bournemouth on Saturday as Cardiff City slumped to a 1-0 defeat at Fulham. The draw put
Southampton stay up after thrilling 3 3 draw with Bournemouth
Defending champions Australia made their worst ever start to an Asian Cup on Sunday when they lost 1-0 to Jordan in front of a partisan crowd in Al Ain. Graham Arnold's youthful side had expected
Aussie horror show as Jordan stun Asian Cup champions
Pochettino's side would have moved within two points of leaders Manchester City with a win at Turf Moor. But they squandered the chance to enhance their title prospects with a sloppy display that
0 comments:
Post a Comment