By beating Atletico Madrid at their own game, Manchester City have blueprint to finally win Champions League

Manchester City may not have dominated Atletico Madrid but after reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League, they could consider it their toughest test yet. In many ways, Diego Simeone and his men were the most awkward opponents they might have faced. The Argentine does not care two hoots — even one hoot! — about the reputation of the opposition.

He probably does not care about his own reputation in that tedious Millwall fashion. Nobody likes us (because of some very understandable reasons) but we don’t care (and we will not moderate our behaviour because to change would be to admit weakness). Ad/> We could see the means of provocation across two legs.

Some of the hardest teams in the world go for the jugular, Atletico went for the follicular. Not once, but twice, did Stefan Savic fondle Jack Grealish’s hair. It might well be an annoying mop, but there is something quite boring about pulling another man’s hair in a football match and not following it up with something more forthright.

A two-footer into his chest, or earning a red card with a clump upside his head. Something, anything that merits some kind of serious confrontation. Tinkering at the edges of irritation is barely worth the energy or effort.

Premier LeagueGuardiola believes Liverpool result will have 'zero' impact on City players against Burnley01/04/2022 AT 15:08 Instead Felipe could only manage a late second yellow, which should be seen in football as Sideshow Bob sees attempted murder — with withering disdain. The relentless, petty approach to football is quite amusing when you pull it off, especially when carried out gratuitously by some excellent players. But after three hours of diving, moaning and whining, it does all feel a bit empty.