UEFA Youth League exit for City after narrow loss at FC Mainz

Brian Barry-Murphy’s side faced a tough opponent in FC Mainz in front of a large, vocal crowd.

Tim Muller gave the hosts an early lead with a thumping strike on 16 minutes.

But a stirring City fightback was rewarded in the final attack of the first half after an unmarked Justin Oboavwoduo was able to convert at the far post.

FC Mainz took the lead again, and for a final time, after they were awarded a penalty which Philipp Schulz converted seven minutes into the second half.

City pushed on to our limits and were unfortunate not to take the game to penalties after we were unable to convert a flurry of corners in added time.

WHAT HAPPENED

The two stands at either side of the Bruchwegstadion pitch were already overflowing with red shirts, flags and chanting FC Mainz fans well ahead of kick-off.

‘One win is all it takes’ read the Tifo as the game begun, and it rang true as a winner had to be decided on the evening.

After an energetic opening two minutes for the hosts, City looked to control the pace of the game with heavy spells of possession.

However, the hosts only needed one confident spell with the ball to open the scoring on 15 minutes.

City were unable to clear a threatening cross from the right and the ball found its way to the left side of the box courtesy of a Fritz Engel pass.

Left-back Tim Muller struck a thunderous left-footed striker which was too powerful for City keeper True Grant and sent the home support into raptures.

To their credit the City youngsters remained resilient and stayed true to the game plan set out by coach Brian Barry-Murphy.

Brilliant link-up play between Joel Ndala and Kane Taylor allowed the former to squeeze between the FC Mainz defenders before unleashing a shot on 24 minutes that looked set to creep into the top left corner if not for the strong hand of Louis Babatz.

Moments later Muller cleared Jaden Heskey’s close-range attempt off FC Mainz’s goal line in our best chance of the opening 30 minutes.

It was now one-way traffic with City moving the ball confidently and FC Mainz already looking tired and struggling to keep the ball.

Oboavwoduo had a similar opportunity to Heskey but his shot deflected out for another corner on 42 minutes.  

Another sublime run to the byline by Ndala, who was City’s shining star in the first half, gave him the opportunity to try and pass the ball into the far corner but his effort hit the post and unfortunately bounced away from the opposition’s goal.

However, City deservedly drew level just on half time through Oboavwoduo.

Tom Galvez was played to the byline by Ndala which allowed the Finland international to pull the ball back to Kane Taylor.

The Birmingham-born forward had to act quick as he was pressed by two FC Mainz players. He picked out an unmarked Oboavwoduo who struck the ball past Babatz with poise and confidence.

Ndala continued the second half as he ended the first, causing chaos on the left flank.

He cut inside and across two FC Mainz players and unleashed a shot towards goal but straight into the arms of Babatz on 47 minutes.

Substitute Safyan Toure was played in behind City’s line three minutes later and Susoho made a desperate tackle on the FC Mainz forward but referee Atilla Karaoglan deemed the City captain only touched the player and pointed to the penalty spot.

True Grant dove the right way but Philipp Schulz’s spot kick on 52 minutes was just out of reach as FC Mainz regained their lead.

The hosts looked to play the counter after going a goal ahead while City continued to dominate possession.

FC Mainz continued to make it difficult for City, stop starting play with occasional fouls that left Barry-Murphy’s side having to start for square one each time.

Neither keeper was tested in the remainder of the game as City were unfortunate not to find a second equaliser and in turn see our UEFA Youth League journey come to an end at the last 16 stage for a second successive season. 

HOW WE LINED UP

True Grant wore the number one shirt with a defensive line of Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, Mahamadou Susoho, Stephen Mfuni and Tom Galvez in front of him.

In City’s engine room, reliable Jacob Wright acted as a shield for the defensive line with  Kane Taylor and Nico O’Reilly supporting on either side. 

Jaden Heskey led City’s attacking line with Joel Ndala on the left wing and Justin Oboavwoduo on the opposite. 

MAINZ XI | Babatz, Gotze, Muller, Marincau, Dal, Amann ©, Gleiber, Martinovic (Toure 46’), Schulz, Kalemba (Ugljanin 88’), Dardari (Hasa 90+2’), Engel (Horozovic 77’)

UNUSED SUBS | Hasa, Wiesnet, Kljajic, Zuther

CITY XI | Grant, Simpson-Pusey, Susoho ©, Mfuni (Henderson-Hall 62’), Galvez, Wright, Oboavwoduo (Adam 78’), O’Reilly, Heskey (Warhurst 78’), Taylor, Ndala

UNUSED SUBS: Brits, Lawrence, Mukasa, Noble  

UP NEXT

City’s attention turns back to Premier League 2 action with our next assignment a home clash against Nottingham Forest.

A date and kick-off time for that fixture will be confirmed on mancity.com and the Official Man City App.