Manchester City overcame a Real Madrid side to win 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu, beating the side from the Spanish capital for the first time in their history. Pep Guardiola achieved the triumphant result courtesy of a few surprise first-team selections, the most shocking of which was starting Gabriel Jesus ahead of top scorer Sergio Aguero, who currently sits on 21 goals. The Brazilian vindicated his manager’s decision by igniting the comeback and drawing the two sides level.
After a slow start, Jesus burst into life, and no visiting player had more shots than his four with two on target, along with dribbling around opponents on three occasions, as per WhoScored. His strike not only got Manchester City back into the match but was also an incredibly valuable away goal which swung the momentum of the tie in Guardiola’s side’s favour. Up against a defensive unit, whom three of which have four Champions League-winning medals to their names, Jesus showed what he is capable of at the elite level and terrorised the backline in the second half.
Only maestro Kevin De Bruyne played more key passes that Jesus’ three, whilst also achieving an incredibly high percentage considering he completed just 21 passes, with an almost immaculate 95.2 per cent accuracy, via WhoScored. The 22-year-old, playing off the left channel, displayed his incredible ability to link with others, which is not always apparent when he is deployed through the centre and expected to finish off moves. He created chances at will and was unfortunate not to be able to add to his six assists for the Citizens this season.
Furthermore, Jesus epitomised the demands Guardiola places on his frontline, leading the pressing charge by making a team-high two tackles, as per WhoScored, along with a further two interceptions. No player in Manchester City’s forward line or midfield made more tackles or interceptions combined, highlighting the incredible work ethic Jesus possesses.
After producing a scintillating performance and regaining a grip on the tie, Jesus may well have played himself into contention to retain his starting place in the second leg of the round of 16 matchup. His surprise selection ahead of Aguero was yet another Guardiola masterstroke and one that was vindicated by a fine performance in the Spanish capital.
