TheCable

Manchester City took a huge step towards quarter-final qualification in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) with a 2-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach in their round of 16 first leg tie in Budapest, Hungary.

A goal in each half from Bernardo Silva and Gabriel Jesus respectively gave Pep Guardiola’s side their 19th consecutive win in all competitions and a handsome lead going into the second leg in England.

The Cityzens monopolised possession early on and deservedly took the lead on 28 minutes through Silva, with the Portuguese midfielder getting on the end of Joao Cancelo’s cross to head into the far corner at the back post.

City continued to dominate and had several chances to double their lead that were not converted, but they eventually made one count over their star-struck hosts through Jesus in the 68th minute. Cancelo, again, crossed for Silva who headed the ball into the path of the Brazilian striker to poke home for 2-0.

Monchengladbach were denied a lifeline in the final minute by Ederson Moraes, City goalkeeper, who pulled of a stunning save to deny Hannes Wolf who had run through on goal.

Ferland Mendy breaks ten-man Atalanta resilience

Real Madrid waited until the 86th minute to breach ten-man Atalanta’s defence, a peach of a strike from Ferland Mendy, their French full-back, who sealed the 1-0 win at Bergamo, Italy.

Mendy was the protagonist in the major highlights of the encounter as it was the left-back that was brought down by Atalanta’s Remo Freuler who received his marching order for the professional foul on 17 minutes.

The 25-year old former Lyon defender would then pop up to deliver a brilliant goal from a short corner.

He received Lucas Modric’s pass before curling beyond the goalkeeper with his weaker right foot from outside the box to put Real Madrid in control of the tie going into the second leg in Spain.

RESULTS

• Borussia Monchengladbach 0-2 Manchester City
• Atalanta 0-1 Real Madrid