Phil Foden’s pass outlines what it takes to breach this Atletico defence, and Man City must be perfect next week too

Manchester City supporters were in good voice at the Etihad as Hey Jude played out before kick-off, but after that and the resounding jeers for the Champions League anthem, it got quieter as the first half went on and the reality of this most difficult of European tasks kicked in. Atletico Madrid did not come to Manchester to attack. They did not come to please the home support, nor the neutrals watching on from home.

They came to defend, to stay in the tie, and to ensure reaching the Champions League semi-finals isn’t beyond them come next week’s second leg. Ad/> As the first half of this attack vs defence training session played out, users on social media pondered whether this match was entertaining or dull, whether Atletico’s approach was an art or simply atrocious, as two banks of five rarely strayed from one another and repeatedly frustrated City. Champions LeagueGuardiola: Man City will chase victory in Madrid despite lead over Atletico25 MINUTES AGO After 15 minutes, City had attacked 11 times to Atletico’s zero.

After 30 minutes it was 31-1, and by half-time it was a staggering 52-1. More than an attack per minute from City, with 70 per cent possession to boot, but nothing to show for it. /> City boss Pep Guardiola cut a pensive figure just before the second half, staring into the middle distance and perhaps wondering what his first change should be, tactically or in terms of personnel.

Guardiola had bit at a suggestion he overthinks matches in Europe, joking about deploying “stupid tactics” in the pre-match press conference, but something had to change if City were to break the deadlock. That became more apparent as the game got just a little bit more stretched after the break. Guardiola had said there was a