Jerome Boateng breaks Manchester City hearts by Adelani Ogunrinade.
Will Manchester City ever get it right in Europe? It looked likely that this might be their year till the dying minute of last night’s enthralling encounter with Bayern Munich.
Their stubborn resistance was broken down by the most unlikely source, defender and former Man city player, Jerome Boateng.
Manchester City had goal keeper Joe Hart to thank for why the score was not at least 2-0 to the German champions by half-time.
To the relief of the city supporters, Robert Lewondoski forgot his scoring boots at home, Arjen Robben started from the bench and Frank Ribery was not fit to play.
Although Bayern looked more dangerous when the ball was worked to the likes of Juan Bernat and Rafinha, it was still clear that they were missing the influence of midfield maestro’s Frank Ribery and a fully fit Arjen Robben.
The “Diving expert.” (Robben) graced the pitch later on in the game but failed to really make an impact.
Bayern Munich took advantage of their home ground advantage the whole game and the stats of the match proved this theory to be true.
It may sound like a condescending thing to say about a star studded City side but the English champions put in a good effort.
Without the guidance of coach Pellegrini on the touchlines, Vincent Kompany, Martin Demichelis and Fernandinho’s inspired performances were not enough to prevent them from folding under the pressure inside the Allianz Arena.
Another tough task awaits Man City when they host Chelsea on Sunday but a much tougher task awaits them in Europe as they fight to reach the later stages of the competition.
by Adelani Ogunrinade.