Explore Pep Guardiola’s tactical genius as his rotated team secures a decisive 4-0 win against Slovan, highlighting the strength of squad rotation.
Introduction:
Manchester City dominated the game against Slovan Bratislava at this Champions League stage of its group phase. Pep Guardiola’s team earned an emphatic and quite deserved 4-0 win, with six changes from the side that drew with Newcastle United in the Premier League. This is the first Champions League win this season for the 2024/25 season.
See also: Youthful Manchester City Seals Carabao Cup Progress with 2-1 Win Over Watford
Six Changes, Same Dominance
Pep Guardiola decided on some big-name omissions for Slovan Bratislava, with Ederson, Kyle Walker, Rúben Dias, Mateo Kovačić, Jack Grealish, and Bernardo Silva all sent to the bench. Even under such a changed XI, however, City’s strike power did not falter in any way. It was completely dominant from start to finish against Slovan, never letting them breathe freely at all.
Gündoğan finally scores the opener
City got off to a flying start when, in the ninth minute, captain Ilkay Gündoğan scored a superb shot from the edge of the box, blasting a deflected effort past Slovan goalkeeper Dominik Takáč. He received it from a clearance as it dropped at his feet, the German midfielder taking full advantage of his opportunity and ending the presentation of the semifinals. It was his first goal since returning to Manchester City and was a well-deserved reward for City’s early pressure.
City dominated the possession game and had successive chances so that Slovan’s defense did not get much of a break. Slovan’s Takáč, who had no say on Gündoğan’s deflection, could only watch as the match slipped from Slovan’s hands.
Doku Shines, Foden Adds A Second
One of the sparks of the game was launched by the wing man for City, Jérémy Doku, who brought much action to the right flank. So, in the 34th minute, as he cut inside from the right, Doku squared the pass to Phil Foden. The latter then calmly, with a low shot, curled the ball into the corner of the net to double City’s lead.
It was really tough to find a way through Slovan’s lines for Doku with his clever movements and dribbling, making the inexperienced Slovan’s Kevin Wimmer find it difficult to track him down and contain the winger’s true pace and creativity. The assistant of Doku was just testimony to his growing importance in Guardiola’s system as the goal played a crucial moment to consolidate City’s advantage.
Haaland’s Persistence Pays Off
It was strangely quiet for the first half by Erling Haaland, who did witness an early shot by Takáč get denied and another sail wide, but six minutes into the second half saw the Norwegian forward round the goalkeeper after a perfectly timed through-ball to slot home his first goal of the 2024/25 Champions League season. A very classic Haaland goal, with lethal finishing and a chance to take advantage of anything at all. This put City firmly ahead, 3-0, and ended all hope for a Slovan revival.
McAtee Scores the Winner
But into that calmed waters, Phil Foden, already on the scoresheet, chipped a delicate ball into the box that James McAtee volleyed home to make it 4-0 on the night for the visitors. And it was McAtee’s first ever goal for Manchester City in all competitions and certainly one he will remember for many years to come as the young midfielder.
Foden’s creativity and McAtee’s composed finish added the icing on the cake to a complete performance from City. Well, an earnest Slovan effort failed to come good in Vain.
To their credit, Slovan Bratislava never threw in the towel, even when the scoreline had it. Early on in the game, Marko Tolić almost gave the hosts an early shock lead, as his shot drifted just wide of the post. Once City took control of the game, Slovan had a few more half-chances but failed to get past the solid defense.
Another edge-of-the-seat match for City as the young Slovans created a very alive and energetic stand even though their team was way behind most of the game. It hasn’t been easy for Slovakians in the Champions League, tough games against Celtic and now Manchester City.
A Professional Performance from City
That the city could turn six different changes without losing an iota of their attacking power was really a testament to the depth of their squad. Yet, with or without personnel rotation, the team’s high-pressing fluid attack and disciplined defense were there for all the games.
Pep Guardiola’s master plan
But Pep Guardiola will be satisfied with the result and individual performances from his side with Jérémy Doku’s creativity, Foden’s versatility, and McAtee’s finishing, along with Gündoğan’s leadership all coming to the fore in a completely professional display.
The win gets City off to a great start in their Champions League campaign, while Slovan will have to regroup after an unpleasant evening against the defending champions.