What happened?
Manchester City have reached the play-off stages of the UEFA Youth League after a 2-1 victory over Borussia Monchengladbach at Borussia Park.
Goals from Paolo Fernandes and Brahim Diaz ensured City will finish in second place in Group C, behind Barcelona.
After an early period of control, Diaz picked the ball up in the centre of midfield, drove past a couple of defenders and pulled back for Fernandes to fire home right-footed in a strike reminiscent of last month’s winner against Liverpool.
The two Spaniards in City’s midfield continued to dominate proceedings, as both forced Gladbach goalkeeper Langhoff into fully extended saves before the half hour mark.
Gladbach grew into the match from that point and snatched an equaliser in the 33rd minute as the Blues defenders failed to clear a drilled cross and centre forward Jahn shot past Grimshaw.
A scrappy second half followed but one passage of midfield magic opened up the Germans and sealed the victory for City.
Lukas Nmecha’s lay off to Dilrosun was matched by an incisive pass from the Dutch winger for Diaz, who placed it under the goalkeeper.
Grimshaw was forced into an excellent diving save moments later and Cameron Humphreys denied Simakala with a solid block to secure City’s passage to the play-offs.
What it means
City have booked their place in the play-off stage against a domestic champion, with nine points from five matches in Group C.
City will face Celtic on the final day of the UEFA Youth League group stage on Tuesday 6 November. Visit the ticket office for information on how you can support our future.
Key moment
When Nmecha dragged the defence out of position and laid the ball off for Javairo Dilrosun at 1-1, the Dutch winger had several options.
He didn’t hesitate, slid a perfect pass in to Diaz and the Spaniard duly reclaimed City’s lead.
Man of the Match
Brahim Diaz - As shown by his decisive impact in City’s opener, Diaz relished the return to his midfield role.
The Spaniard has been leading the line in Lukas Nmecha’s absence but this performance would suggest that his influence is maximised when he operates in a deeper space.
How they lined up
Daniel Grimshaw kept his place in the UEFA Youth League team.
Demeaco Duhaney, Cameron Humphreys, Tosin Adarabioyo and Ed Francis were the back four behind a midfield of Rodney Kongolo, Paolo Fernandes and Brahim Diaz.
Javairo Dilrosun and Jadon Sancho flanked the central striker Lukas Nmecha.
Subs: Oliver, Haug, Latibeaudiere, Smith, Foden, Patching, Buckley-Ricketts
