Real Madrid now trails Manchester City 3-1 on aggregate after a costly mistake from Raphael Varane lead to an easy City goal. Can the visitors turn things around?
Real Madrid still needs two goals to stay alive in the Champions League knockout stage, but a poor start in the first half of the second leg tie with Manchester City saw Los Blancos concede nine minutes in. An uncharacteristic mistake from center back Raphael Varane in his own box led to Raheem Sterling‘s goal to put City ahead.
Zinedine Zidane’s team elected to play out of the back to begin the match and had trouble dealing with the press put on Guardiola’s forward line.
Raheem Sterling gives Manchester City (-178) the early lead!
— Action Network Soccer (@ActionNetSoccer) August 7, 2020
What was Raphael Varane doing on this play⁉️https://t.co/MMhFIIz9Bx
Real Madrid’s entire defensive line has had trouble dealing with the high press from Gabriel Jesus and Sterling who are making things quite difficult for Eder Militao.
Sergio Ramos‘ absence has certainly been felt in the first 20 minutes of this match as City continue to force Real off the ball in every area of the pitch.
Not only was this an odd mistake from Varane, but the midfielders should be questioned for their absence in the lead up to the goal. Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, and Casemiro struggled to help get the ball out from the back and the goal was bound to happen.
Casemiro has struggled to keep possession and win it back like we are very used to seeing. Could nerves be playing a factor?
Man City has been commanding the midfield throughout and there have been very few passing lanes.
A costly mistake from Raphael Varane. 😬 pic.twitter.com/kUAsxxgeU4
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) August 7, 2020
While this start is worrisome, Real Madrid has plenty of time to grow into the match and still need just two goals to send the match in to extra time. Zidane has the talent on the bench to swing this match and tons of time to work with.