Atalanta's defense impressed but Mendy's goal in the final minutes earned him a 8/10 ๐ pic.twitter.com/IjwfxKISw4
โ Champions League on CBS Sports (@UCLonCBSSports) February 25, 2021
Manchester City defeated Monchengladbach 2-0 in the Champions League round of 16 first leg on Wednesday with the game winning goal from Bernardo Silva in the 29th minute and another Gabriel Jesus in the 65th minute.
The two sides played a fairly competitive first half with City setting the tempo throughout, attacking in the early minutes along the left side. Gladbach were dedicated in their defense, staying mostly organized, and were able to sustain under waves of pressure and various attacks from the English Premier side.
A brief moment inside the box between Raheem Sterling and Ramy Bensebaini caused shouts for a penalty, but was not awarded nor was the moment reviewed. City scored the opening goal just minutes later.
Strong left wing play contributed to the breakthrough as Joao Cancelo whipped in a spiraling cross into the box where Silva continued his run near the far post for a header.
Beautiful ball from Joรฃo Cancelo and Bernardo Silva gets his head on it ๐ฅ pic.twitter.com/vjWQnhULji
โ Champions League on CBS Sports (@UCLonCBSSports) February 24, 2021
The two sides entered halftime with a narrow one goal gap, and there were no initial substitutions made by either manager to dramatically shake things up to start the second half. City remained active on the ball, and continued to press, while Gladbach attempted to work themselves into possession, though their final pass was still lacking in the final third and frequently they struggled to get out of their own half.
As Gladbach attempted to get on the front foot, a second goal for City occurred just past the hour mark as Jesus scored. Some strong combination play by Sterling got the ball to Cancelo who served a cross into the box for Bernardo Silva who headed it back across the goal where Jesus provided the finish.
Joao Cancelo โก๏ธ Bernardo Silva โก๏ธ Gabriel Jesus โก๏ธ โฝ๐ฅ pic.twitter.com/U8CjXsawNo
โ Champions League on CBS Sports (@UCLonCBSSports) February 24, 2021
Monchengladbach 0, Man City 2 (FINAL)
โฝ Man. City: Bernardo Silva (29')
โฝ Man. City: Gabriel Jesus (65')