Redaction Simon Brett with James Thompson
Published on 2024-03-01 15:30:00
John Stones has revealed some insights into Manchester City’s impressive victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League last season. The Citizens, after drawing 1-1 in the first leg of the semi-final tie at the Santiago Bernabeu, went on to demolish Carlo Ancelotti’s side with a 4-0 win at the Etihad Stadium in the second leg, securing their place in the final.
With City eventually winning the Champions League by defeating Inter Milan in the final, Stones, who played a pivotal role in their European success, shared some details about the memorable victory against Real Madrid. He emphasized the tactical setup that allowed them to exploit the space created by Real Madrid’s man-marking strategy.
He said: “The way they set up, they allowed us to do that with [Toni] Kroos and [Luka] Modric following Kevin [De Bruyne] and Bernardo [Silva] on the other side.
“They man-marked them and created so much space for me and Rodri to get to the 18-yard box. Once we got there it was about trying to move them about and out of their zone to create space.
“Kevin is the best in the world at making these runs in behind to cross the ball. We were patient once we got there. Sometimes I find a lot of my runs when we’re high up the pitch, my movements are not to get the ball but to create space for other guys. My quality is not as good as theirs up there and I know that, I want to get them on the ball and let them do their thing.”
The match saw City dominate possession, with 59% of the ball and 16 shots on goal, eight of which were on target. They also outpassed their Spanish opponents significantly, showcasing their tactical superiority.
The English defender’s explanation sheds light on how City’s strategic game plan and player movements contributed to their success against a strong opponent like Real Madrid. Guardiola’s side displayed a solid team performance, reflected in their higher team rating compared to Real Madrid.
Stones’ insights highlight City’s ability to adapt to their opponents’ tactics and exploit weaknesses effectively. The victory over Real Madrid serves as a testament to Guardiola’s tactical acumen and the team’s ability to execute their game plan successfully.
Read Original article on Manchester City News
