Manchester City have seized control of Group G of the UEFA Champions League with a tough 3-1 win over Swiss champions Young Boys. The Swiss Super League champions took it up to the European champions but goals from Manuel Akanji and a brace from Erling Haaland secured the three points for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Pep Guardiola made seven changes from the side that beat Brighton last weekend. The lineup contained enough quality to attempt to give City control of their Champions League group.
City dominated possession in the first half, but had to be wary of the threat Young Boys posed on the break. The Swiss champions were definitely up for the occasion and we’re backed by a passionate home crowd. City’s best chances of the first half fell twice to Rodri from corners and Jeremy Doku. Rodri put an early header wide and had another effort saved by Anthony Racioppi just before half-time. Doku had City’s best effort saved by Racioppi after being played through by Jack Grealish.
In the second half City pressed for an opener and were rewarded in the 48th minute. A Ruben Dias header was saved onto the bar and Manuel Akanji nodded him to give City a deserved lead.
The lead would only last 4 minutes though. A quick counter from Young Boys played in Meschack Elia. The Swiss forward expertly lobbed Ederson to restore parity to the delight of the home crowd.
The game then became stretched as both sides looked for a winner. A penalty in the 65th minute gave the treble winners the lead. Rodri was felled in the box and Erling Haaland put the penalty away to restore City’s lead.
Erling Haaland then put the game to bed with a cracking finish in the 86th minute to ensure City headed back to Manchester with the three points.
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