Olympiacos 0-1 Manchester City: Pep Guardiola’s team routinely qualified
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Phil Foden scored the goal, while Manchester City, once back, secured their position in the Champions League round of 16 with a 1-0 win over Olympiacos in Greece.
The 20-year-old returned home after a Raheem Sterling film in the 36th minute when City kept their 100 percent Group C record and reached the last 16 games with two games to spare.
The Greek champions were matches in conflict at Piraeus’ Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium, but the City, which created a series of transparent opportunities, never risked slipping.
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Coach Pep Guardiola would probably be frustrated not to run any more opportunities, but, after a difficult start in the Premier League, progressing in Europe with minimal annoyance is a main goal achieved.
Phil Foden celebrates scoring the purpose of the game
This is the eighth year in a row that City reaches the level of the eighth round and, after being concerned about the intensity of this season’s schedule, Guardiola will be pleased to have done so while Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker rest.
Aymeric Laporte, Ferran Torres and Riyad Mahrez also fell to the bench when city technician made five changes. With Foden and Sterling among those to come, the team barely weakened.
They also had reserve power with Sergio Aguero, recovered after an injury to the hamcap tendon, between the understudy and the Argentine had an overdue exit as he accelerated his recovery.
City ended up with a purpose to show for their efforts, but they were too smart for an Olympiacos team without several key players.
Former French midfielder Mathieu Valbuena and striker Youssef El-Arabi, who showed little to do when faced at Etihad Stadium this month, were among them.
City confidently and Foden tested José Sa in the first bars and Gabriel Jesus also turned to the Olympiacos goalkeeper.
However, the Greeks were willing and resilient and City had to work hard to create new opportunities.
Jesus turned his back on his, but the City took a well-worked move to make his way after 36 minutes.
Ilkay Gundogan opened the defense and Jesus played with Sterling in the area. England’s striker showed a wonderful conscience by opting for Foden at the forefront of purpose with a wise back heel.
Foden, in top shape after scoring twice for England against Iceland last week, was not mistaken for a tough low training.
Sterling threatened before the break. Sa cut off a long-range drive and then kicked loose.
Foden then slapped over a defensive foul early in the moment, but Ruben Semedo blocked his shot and Gundogan put the rebound out. Joao Cancelo and Bernardo Silva also had their efforts before Foden took the lead.
Aguero arrived in the latter stages and The City gave the final beep.
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Phil Foden
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Phil Foden celebrates scoring the purpose of the game
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