A formality of a second leg Round of 16 fixture for Manchester City ended 1-2 to FC Basel. The visitors come away with the win but Pep Guardiola’s side progress comfortably to the Quarter Final on an aggregate 5-2 score at the Etihad.
Pep had deployed a second string team which unfortunately showed it’s inability to match up on the European stage.
Nevertheless, City started off in the same manner by dominating possession and got themselves the early lead through Gabriel Jesus’ tapped in effort.
But that seemed like their best moment in the game as Basel kept their optimism up and pressured the City players when on the ball.
The Citizens were caught completely off the pace when Basel equalized in the 17th minute. Mohamed Elyounoussi was found open on goal from Blas Riveros’ cross.
Pep Guardiola’s men did not show enough for the remainder of the game at it showed in the loss they suffered tonight. They looked disinterested in putting in a solid effort and Basel got the better of them in the 71st minute.
Michael Lang slammed in a powered effort and Elyounoussi picked up the assist. 1-2 after 90 minutes.
Here is how the Manchester City players were rated.
Claudio Bravo – 7/10
He was not at all sloppy tonight and was completely helpless for both the opposition goal. Distributed the ball well.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – 5/10
Can be critiqued on the same points as the other fullback – a lot of quality on the offensive end but not enough poise to hold off the opposition attacks.
Aymeric Laporte – 4/10
A horror show at the back tonight. Laporte’s unwillingness to put in a decent effort found the Basel players in acres of space to score both the goals.
John Stones – 6/10
He looked solid at the back with well-timed tackles and composed with the ball.
Danilo – 5/10
Very good offensively but shambolic on the defensive end. Was found wandering up front for the first Basel goal.
Yaya Toure – 6/10
He carried out his signature style of formulating the City attacks by linking up with all of his teammates but the rustiness was evident tonight. Maybe the age is catching up on him.
Phil Foden – 7/10
A quality showing by the teenager as he took on the Basel defence with a lot of vigour.
Ilkay Gundogan – 6/10
Very composed in tight spaces and always a threat going forward. He drifted into empty spaces and worked hard off the ball.
Leroy Sane – 8/10
Almost impossible to get off the ball when Sane decides to go on a run. He dribbled his way past a number of opposition players and set up good chances. Unfortunately no end product.
Bernardo Silva – 6/10
He started off the game with a lot of energy but faded away in the late stages. The assist for the City goal was sublime.
Gabriel Jesus – 6/10
The goal was the only redeeming quality he showcased tonight. His fitness did not look up to the mark either with most of the Basel players getting the better of him both physically and on the run.
Substitutes:
Brahim Diaz – 6/10
He did well to adjust to the pace of the game and his inexperience did not show.
Oluwatosin Adarabioyo – NA
