Dramatic Battle at City of Manchester: A Draw Worthy of a Finale

An epic clash between "Manchester City" and "Feyenoord" ends in a draw, leaving fans on the edge until the very last minutes.

Madness at the "City of Manchester" – no other words describe this duel. As anticipated, the clash commenced with "Manchester City" completely dominating the situation. The "Citizens" steadily built up their attacks, twice presenting excellent chances to Haaland and Foden, but the Rotterdam side, with sheer determination, thwarted all attempts by the hosts to strike the goal. However, towards the end of the half, the captain's nerves frayed, and Timber fouled in his penalty area, kicking Haaland's leg – a penalty, which the victim himself expertly converted. With efforts, yet "City" moved ahead.

The second half started exceptionally well for Guardiola's charges. Two quick goals early in the period. On the 50th minute, Gundogan's strike, aided by a deflection off Gantzko, found the net. And three minutes later, a marvelous combination of Gundogan-Nunez-Haaland ended with the latter's accurate fall strike. 3-0. It seemed the matter was settled. So it seemed to Guardiola, who, keeping in mind the upcoming match with "Liverpool" in the English Premier League, decided to replace the key players Foden, Gundogan, and Ake with youth alongside the not fully recovered from injury De Bruyne.

However, Brian Priske, also dealing with squad injuries, executed much more effective substitutions. "Feyenoord" rushed forward, opening up and taking risks. 15 minutes were all Rotterdam needed to stun the Manchester crowd. Hadj Moussa, Jimenez, and Gantzko completely brought their team back into play, leveling the score. The "Citizens" fans, like their coach, could only grab their heads. Meanwhile, the numerous support from Rotterdam was ecstatic. Guardiola's overconfidence played a cruel joke, and following substitutions, the team lost its backbone, failing to maintain control over the game. Mighty penetrating counterattacks by the Rotterdam side posed unsolvable problems – for the sixth consecutive match, the "Citizens" did not know victory.

"City" is now even further from the TOP-8, and in the next Champions League round, Guardiola's charges must travel to Turin, where "Juventus" awaits. Securing points here will be extremely difficult. Meanwhile, "Feyenoord" at home will receive "Sparta" from Prague and might well aim for a victory.

2024-25, Champions League "Manchester City" - "Feyenoord" 3:3 (1:0)Goals: Haaland E., 44 (penalty) (1:0); Gundogan, 50 (2:0); Haaland E., 53 (3:0); Hadj Moussa, 75 (3:1); Jimenez S., 82 (3:2); Gantzko, 90 (3:3)Manchester City: Ederson; Akanji; Ake (Simpson-Pugh, 69); Guardiola; Lewis R.; Grealish; Gundogan (de Bruyne, 69); Mateusz Nunes; Silva B.; Foden (until 68); Haaland E. Substitutes: Makati (from 68) Reserves: Carson; Ortega S.; Dias R.; Wilson-Esbrand; Walker; Wright; O'Reilly; Savio Warning: Makati 89 Feyenoord: Wellenreuther; Gantzko; Nieuwkoop (Lotomba, 72); Small (Beelen, 68); Trauner; Hwang In Beom (Gonzalez Fa., 93); Milambo (until 68); Hadj Moussa; Carranza (Jimenez S., 72); Paishan; Timber K. Substitutes: Zerrouki (from 68) Reserves: Beilo; Mitchell; Zehiel; Ivanusec; Redmond Z. Warnings: Carranza 57