More than a league match, a final was played at the Etihad. Whoever won would take the lead in the race for the league title. But no one did. Manchester City was better in the first, and Liverpool bettered their rival in the second. Behind the tables, extra time. But instead of 30 more minutes, it will be seven days. Those that remain until the end of the league. A point separates both teams, but City’s calendar, which is the one who leads the tableis calmer than that of Anfield.
It was a frantic duel. Already from the beginning. Liverpool seemed to take the initiative, who were the first to reach the opposite goal, but it only took five minutes for Manchester City to take advantage. Guardiola’s men warned, with a counterattack in which Alisson won a one-on-one with Sterling. 39 seconds later came the first goal of the game. De Bruyne, with a signature kick, although he needed the invaluable help of a rebound from Fabinho to score the goal. Liverpool got nervous. It was difficult for him to link passes, it was difficult for them to advance with guarantees. Thiago started an action that ended with the equalizing goal from Diogo Jota. The Portuguese struck at the first change, justifying a title that has been working throughout the campaign.
Those of Klopp reacted, but the singing voice was carried by Manchester City. The Celestes won the midfield battle. Bernardo and De Bruyne made the difference. They moved the ball with positivity, with comfort, with authority. Henderson and Thiago, for their part, offered a more apathetic game. Negative, afraid. Seeking not to miss the opportunity rather than create one. Gabriel Jesus, another surprise starter, found the reward for his team’s effort. He scored ten minutes from the break connecting with a fantastic cross from Cancelo. The local team was able to extend its advantage. The visitors finished the first half asking for the time. The game changed once more at 47 minutes following the restart. Salah distributed and Mané equalized in the first minute of the second half. It had taken them a while to get to the Ederson box, but they hit when they did. They gained in confidence and it was the turn of Guardiola’s team to succumb to rival pressure.
Ederson took a shot from Jota, and Van Dijk one from Jesus who had outplayed Alisson. He returned the exchange of chances. Racing up and down are back. Until the City wanted to slow down the pace to regain control. They never did. Fear paralyzed both teams. The lead in the league title race was attractive, but missing out on title chances was too big a risk. Despite this, Mahrez had two chances at the end of the match to bring the championship closer to Etihad. What he did not have was the necessary success to take advantage of them.
Changes
louis diaz (69 ‘, Diogo Jota), Mahrez (74′, Sterling), Naby Keita (77′, Henderson), Grealish (82′, Gabriel Jesus), Roberto Firmino (83′, Mane)
goals
1-0, 4′: De Bruyne1-1, 12′: Diogo Jota2-1, 36′: Gabriel Jesus2-2, 45′: Mane
cards
Arbitro: Anthony Taylor
Arbitro VAR: Paul Tierney
A. Robertson (27′, Yellow) Bernard Silva (39′, Yellow) Thiago (60′, Yellow) Fabinho (82′, Yellow) Virgil Van Dijk (88′, Yellow