Manchester City blew a three-goal lead to draw 3-3 with Feyenoord in the Champions League.
Erling Haaland he scored twice, the first making him the fastest player to reach 50 goals in Champions League history when he scored from the penalty spot just before half-time in his 44th appearance in the competition.
But the Dutch side scored three times in the final 15 minutes through Anis Hadj Moussa, Santiago Gimenez and David Hancko to secure a point.
how was it
The city looked dangerous Bernardo Silva, as captain of the team, playing in a very open position and connecting perfectly with Matheus Nunes and Phil Foden.
Haaland was inches away in the 10th minute when a header hit the inside of the post and bounced off goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther’s hand as he struggled to make a save.
Moments later, Jack Grealish returned to the team for his first game since early October after injury, hitting a sweet volley which headed towards goal until the ball hit Phil Foden to deflect it over the diagonal.
Feyenoord won both away games in the Champions League before arriving at the Etihad Stadium, winning 3-2 in Girona and 3-1 in Benfica and tried to play on the counter.
Yes sideways, Pep Guardiola he asked his team to stay calm and keep our patience.
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And before half-time we had our chance when Haaland was caught from behind in the box and referee Radu Petrescu immediately pointed to the penalty.
Haaland again had to be patient as goalkeeper Wellenreuther strolled around the Etihad shortly before he was set up, but the mind games did not deter the winner who scored the penalty.
Four minutes after the break, City doubled their lead when Foden’s corner was cleared. Gundogan whose well-executed first-time volley was deflected into the net.
And the third goal came in the 53rd minute when Nunes came forward quickly and crossed perfectly into Haaland’s path to slide home.
City continues to attack with If Guardiol testing Wellenreuther with a volley.
But there would be a twist as Hadj Moussa headed the ball past Ederson after a clumsy save from Gvardiol.
Gimenez then deflected a shot from the goal line after Jordan Lotomba’s cross went past Ederson as the visitors looked for an unlikely equaliser.
And Paixão then beat our Brazilian goalkeeper with a long pass to cross for Hancko to head home the equaliser.
City pressed hard to try and win with Grealish hitting the post in stoppage time, but we had to settle for a final.
We return to the Premier Division on Sunday for a clash between the two best teams.
City travel to Liverpool aiming to reduce the lead when we meet at Anfield for a 4pm (UK) kick-off.
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How can Feyenoord build on their resilience shown during the match against Manchester City?
Interviewer: Good morning, everyone! Welcome to this latest edition of Time.news Insights. Today, we have a special guest with us, football expert and analyst, Emily Johnson. Thanks for being here, Emily!
Emily Johnson: Thank you for having me! It’s great to discuss such an exciting match.
Interviewer: Let’s dive in. Last night, Manchester City had quite the rollercoaster ride against Feyenoord, leading 3-0 at one point but ultimately finishing at a surprising 3-3 draw. What do you think were the key factors that contributed to this unexpected outcome?
Emily Johnson: It’s important to note that football can be incredibly unpredictable. For City, their failure to maintain focus in the final minutes was pivotal. They initially controlled the game, showcasing their attacking prowess with Erling Haaland scoring twice and becoming the fastest player to reach 50 goals in Champions League history. Yet, defensive lapses late in the match allowed Feyenoord to capitalize.
Interviewer: Speaking of Haaland, his performance was remarkable, especially with setting that record. What does this achievement say about his impact in such a short span?
Emily Johnson: Haaland’s ability to score goals at this rate is phenomenal and speaks volumes about his talent and physical capabilities. His composure during the penalty, coupled with his positioning to slide home the third goal, shows not just skill but also an acute understanding of the game. He’s definitely a game-changer for City.
Interviewer: Absolutely. Now, the tactical aspect—how did Pep Guardiola orchestrate City’s play, particularly in the first half?
Emily Johnson: Guardiola’s strategy seemed to focus on maintaining possession and pressing Feyenoord high, which worked well initially. Bernardo Silva’s role as the captain and his connectivity with Matheus Nunes and Phil Foden allowed City to exploit spaces in Feyenoord’s defense. However, they seemed to relax after establishing a commanding lead, which ultimately cost them.
Interviewer: Feyenoord showed resilience towards the end. What can we credit to their turnaround and spirit in those final minutes?
Emily Johnson: Their comeback can largely be attributed to belief and effective counterattacking. After going down 3-0, they could have easily given up, but they pressed forward and took their chances. Anis Hadj Moussa’s goal was a turning point, creating momentum that led to Santiago Gimenez and David Hancko also finding the net. The Dutch side demonstrated tactical discipline even when under pressure.
Interviewer: Were there any standout moments for you, particularly concerning individual players or decisions made during the game?
Emily Johnson: Definitely! Aside from Haaland’s historic achievement, the returning Jack Grealish’s impact was notable. His presence added creativity on the left flank. However, Manchester City’s defensive setup was also a talking point. The mishap with Josko Gvardiol on the first Feyenoord goal was quite telling—it’s crucial for defenders to remain alert, especially when leading.
Interviewer: Looking ahead, how do you think this draw will affect Manchester City and Feyenoord in their respective campaigns?
Emily Johnson: For City, it’s a wake-up call. They’ll need to tighten up defensively if they want to maintain their status and push for the top positions in both the Champions League and domestic competitions. On the other hand, for Feyenoord, this draw can bolster their confidence. Having the ability to come back against a top-tier team like City can fuel their momentum moving forward in the group stage.
Interviewer: Great insights, Emily! It looks like both teams have plenty to learn from this encounter. Thank you for joining us today and sharing your expertise.
Emily Johnson: Thank you for having me! Always a pleasure to talk football.
Interviewer: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay tuned for more insights and analyses, and we’ll catch you next time!
