(Football news) A second half goal by Kevin De Bruyne was enough for City to secure a 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals at the Etihad Stadium. As expected, the hosts dominated right from kick off while Atletico sat back and relied on counter-attacks to find the breakthrough. There were penalty calls from Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne while Joao Cancelo had a shot, but Jan Oblak wasn’t tested in the first half as Diego Simeone’s tactics proved to be largely effective. 

Pep Guardiola made three changes to the starting lineup with Riyad Mahrez, Bernardo Silva and John Stones coming into the team while Kyle Walker was suspended and Phil Foden and Jack Grealish featured on the bench. As for Atletico, Diego Simeone made two changes from their weekend clash against Alaves with Koke returning to captain the side as well as centre-back Filipe. With both the teams struggling to break the deadlock, Guardiola looked to his bench and brought in three new players, a decision which paid dividends instantly.

It was Foden who provided a precise assist to Kevin De Bruyne who found the back of the net in the 70th minute. The England international could have created a second soon after, finding space on the right side but De Bruyne’s shot was blocked. The tie may be far from over but City are in the driving seat and it will take a special performance at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium for Atletico Madrid to progress into the next round.

Speaking after the match, City manager Pep Guardiola said “It was a difficult game against a tough opponent. It was difficult to find spaces, but we were patient enough. It was a good result. We had one or two more chances at the end to score more goals. Even at 1-0, going to Madrid is always tough but it was a good result. We won the game, we won at Burnley, now we prepare for the next one."

Reflecting on De Bruyne's composed finish, manager Guardiola said: "He is in the best moment of the season right now. He is sharp, quick and positive. His influence in our game is massive. He scored an exceptional goal from the combination with Phil." Guardiola added of Foden: "He has a special quality. His reception is always forward, his space in the first step is massive and he had the composure to make an incredible assist for Kevin."

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