One crucial choice made by Pep Guardiola during Manchester City’s matchup with Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League has left the team perplexed.
At the Etihad Stadium, the European champions arrived for the first leg of their tantalising Champions League playoff matchup with City.
Erling Haaland’s goal in the 19th minute put Madrid behind after they had wasted several chances to take the lead.
Carlo Ancelotti’s team tied the score in the second half when Kylian Mbappe’s spectacular attempt went in at the hour mark.
After Dani Ceballos fouled Phil Foden just inside the 18-yard box, City was given a penalty after both teams battled for the game-winning goal in the final 30 minutes.
Haaland took the initiative to give the home team a 2-1 lead with his second goal of the game.
But with four minutes remaining in the 90, former player Brahim Diaz scored to cut City’s lead to 2-2.
Jude Bellingham’s goal late into stoppage time sealed a huge 3-2 victory, but the drama didn’t end there.
City supporters responded on social media, believing that the outcome might have been affected by Guardiola’s choice to keep Bernardo Silva on the pitch.
“He takes out Ake instead of Bernardo,” one fan commented. Why, Pep?
“Pep has made huge mistakes with the substitutions,” another tweeter said. Instead of going off with Ake, Bernardo ought to have.
Another admirer went on to say: “Why does Pep love Bernardo so much he offers absolutely nothing.”
Another person wrote: “The earlier pep realises that Bernardo Silva is not that guy anymore, the better for him.”
“Why does Pep never subs Bernardo?” asked a sixth commenter.
“WHAT IS PEP’S OBSESSION WITH BERNARDO SILVA?” asked another admirer.
City will return to Premier League action this weekend when they play Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon. The second leg will be held at the Bernabeu the following week.
