Man City: The perfect run-up

(Baonghean.vn)- Welcoming the "underdog" Stoke City in the early match of round 35 of the Premier League, Man City completely dominated the match, defeating their opponent 4-0. This was the perfect start for Man City before entering the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid at Etihad (April 26).

To ensure a place in the TOP 4, coach Manuel Pellegrini fielded almost the strongest squad from the start, not keeping the main players to prepare for the upcoming match against Real. Only Kevin De Bruyne was able to rest on the bench, while other key players such as Sergio Aguero, David Silva, Yaya Toure, Fernando, Otamendi, and Joe Hart were still fully present on the field.

Man City continuously threaten Stoke's defense

Meanwhile, Stoke's already weak defense became even more fragile without Ibrahim Afellay in this match due to injury. Coach Mark Hughes's statement "ready to fight" before the match angered Man City and caused his team to return empty-handed with 4 goals to nil. Stoke have only won 1 match (August 2015) in their last 7 visits to Etihad. Before that, they suffered 2 humiliating defeats against Liverpool (1-4) and Tottenham (0-4).

“The victory over Stoke City was the perfect warm-up for the Real Madrid game,” said Manuel Pellegrini, as his side fought with the utmost spirit, with light feet and cool heads.

Right after the opening whistle, the Man City warriors rushed to attack with many opportunities created. Striker Sergio Aguero continuously stirred up the Stoke defense, making it difficult to defend. Finally, what had to come, came, in the 34th minute, from a corner kick on the right wing, Fernando moved intelligently to have a close-range header to put the home team ahead 1-0. The victory was decided for the team of coach Manuel Pellegrini right in the first half. In the 42nd minute, Iheanacho was pulled down in Stoke's penalty area and the referee did not hesitate to point to the penalty spot. "Killer" Sergio Aguero successfully finished to double the gap for the home team.

Aguero's penalty kick

In the second half, Stoke had a few dangerous counter-attacks but failed to score. On the contrary, they were hit by two more goals from the home team with a double from Iheanacho in the 64th and 74th minutes. The home team ended the victory with beautiful attacking combinations that satisfied the fans. Fernando, Aguero, Iheanacho... gave Stoke's defense a day to forget when they ruthlessly crushed Stoke 4-0. In particular, with a double and an assist, Iheanacho had a successful day, deserving to be the best player of the match.

With this victory, Man City dispelled the gloomy atmosphere in the sky of Etihad and put to rest the doubts after the weak draw at Newcastle a few days ago. According to coach Pellegrini, this season Man City is still on the right track. They won the League Cup, reached the semi-finals of the Champions League for the first time and maintained their position in the TOP 4 in the Premier League.

This victory is not only to widen the gap with the persistent pursuer Man United but also a strong warning to the Spanish Royal team - Real Madrid, before the uncompromising battle taking place at Etihad Stadium next week. A more perfect start.

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