Five Things Learned: Manchester City 3-0 Bayern Munich (Champions League Quarter-Final First-Leg)

The unrelenting form of Manchester City continued, as Pep Guardiola’s side picked Bayern Munich apart in the Champions League with a monstrous 3-0 victory.

City are going from strength to strength across all competitions at the moment, toying with opposition without showing any remorse, with Bayern Munich becoming the latest victims of a powerhouse of a footballing side.

Tuesday night’s encounter looked perfectly poised on paper, as two of the favourites for the competition clashed in a fascinating tactical battle at the Etihad Stadium. However, the affair on the pitch was far from a close one, despite comments from manager Thomas Tuchel after the game suggesting otherwise.

The recently appointed Bayern Munich boss said, “It’s not a deserved result, it does not tell the story of the match.” However, City ultimately blew the Bundesliga giants out of the water in a complete performance from the hosts.

City opened the scoring thanks to a thunderbolt from Rodrigo on the 27-minute mark. Pep Guardiola’s players kicked on from that point, continuing to create chances and trouble Yann Sommer’s goal in search of a second.

The desire to double the lead would pay off just 20 minutes before the end, as Jack Grealish capitalised on a mistake from Dayot Upamecano, as Manchester City broke through with Erling Haaland, crossing the ball to Bernardo Silva at the far post who finished with a rifling header.

The assist maker for the second would unsurprisingly turn goal scorer, as John Stones redirected a cross into Erling Haaland’s path, who tucked the ball past the Bayern Munich goalkeeper giving City a strong lead heading into the second leg next week.

Despite the form of Manchester City, not many could’ve predicted the scoreline to be as emphatic as it was, as the Blues continue to set unprecedented levels and build on what has already been a record-breaking season.

With the aggregate score at 3-0, it leaves the door wide open in the hunt for the treble – an achievement only done once before in English football. Pep Guardiola’s side may have the thought of such a feat in the back of their minds, but given the football being played by the current champions, it would be hard to argue against it becoming a reality.

Manchester City have left themselves in a perfect position heading into the second leg at the Allianz Arena next Wednesday, although Pep Guardiola will be astutely aware there is no margin for error. With that being said, here are five things we learned from Tuesday night’s incredible Champions League performance at the Etihad!

A bolt from the blue by Rodrigo

Unsung hero and midfield powerhouse Rodrigo certainly earned his flowers on Tuesday night, with another masterclass in the Manchester City midfield.

The Spanish international has more than filled the void left by former club captain Fernandinho last season, and cemented his name firmly onto the team-sheet every week.

We all know Rodri is capable of a long-range strike, something he proved once again on Tuesday with a very timely goal for Manchester City. The former Atletico Madrid man isn’t always hitting the headlines, quietly going about his business usually, but is proving ever-reliable as someone to hang his hat on for Pep Guardiola.

The formidable four

Pep Guardiola has treated City fans to some mouth-watering, free-flowing football during his tenure at the club, with the attacking display leaving fans mesmerised on more than one occasion.

Perhaps the achilles heel for Guardiola has been in defence, where we have seen some frailties over the years. The Catalan coach has never been afraid to make changes where necessary, replacing players on the pitch and even in the transfer market. However, Guardiola has seemingly crafted his perfect back four for Manchester City.

The timely returns of Ruben Dias and John Stones have paid dividends in recent weeks, with Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake completing what appears to be the set back four for the champions during the run in.

The colossal unit built at the back is set in stone, but it is built of bricks, with the four absolutely untouchable against the ferocity of Bayern Munich’s attack on Tuesday night.

Joao Cancelo – a friend turned foe

An altercation between the home and away fans following the second goal for Manchester City was not where the bitter atmosphere stopped, as Joao Cancelo made an appearance off the bench for Bayern Munich after 80 minutes.

After Leroy Sane was clapped onto the pitch upon his name being read aloud by the stadium announcer, it was a shock to some to hear the contrast in reception delivered to Joao Cancelo – who is of course officially still a Manchester City player.

The Portugal international has had a tough time this season, being ushered out of the City team earlier on by Rico Lewis, before struggling for minutes during his ongoing six-month loan spell at the Allianz Arena.

Despite the reason for his departure still being largely uncertain, City fans delivered a harsh statement to Joao Cancelo, as he was audibly booed upon arrival and whistled with every touch, following some relatively untoward comments since leaving England in January.

Erling Haaland – the inevitable record breaker

We’re simply running out of superlatives to describe Erling Haaland at this point, as the Norwegian cropped up with a goal and an assist against Bayern Munich, taking his total goal contribution tally to 51 for the season already.

The Norwegian netted his 45^th goal of the campaign on Tuesday night, breaking the record for the most ever goals by a Premier League player in a single season, surpassing Mohamed Salah and Ruud Van Nistelrooy.

Erling Haaland continues to reach new heights and set ludicrous standards for himself, as the 22 year-old sensation continues to build on a simply sensational debut season with Manchester City.

Manchester City: Unstoppable?

Pep Guardiola has now seemingly found his side following the resumption of Premier League football this season, after being vocally disappointed in a 4-2 comeback victory over Tottenham back in January.

The Manchester City boss said he did not recognise his team at the time, but the football on show now clearly demonstrates an understanding between the manager and players, as this relentless unit have not only kicked into gear, but accelerated past all expectations in their hunt for a treble.

The form of City simply cannot be understated, with the blues continuing to perform at the highest level every week, propelling themselves to new heights and at times defying belief with the football on show.

Only time will tell what lies ahead for the remainder of the season as far as Manchester City are concerned, but one thing is for certain – the possibilities are off the charts as this dominant force continue to be a wrecking ball both domestically and in Europe.

Three games, three wins.

What does the rest of April have in store for #ManCity? pic.twitter.com/idvOKpORw1

— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) April 12, 2023