Stunning Upset: Atletico Madrid Shocks Man City with 2-1 Victory!
Defending champions Manchester City's Asia tour concludes on a disappointing note as Atletico Madrid clinches a 2-1 victory in a rain-soaked Seoul The defeat raises questions about City's next steps
Manchester City's tour of Asia concluded with a 2-1 defeat against Atletico Madrid in a rain-drenched Seoul. The match began 40 minutes late due to heavy rainfall, and second-half goals from former Manchester United player Memphis Depay and Yannick Carrasco sealed victory for the Spanish team.
Ruben Dias managed to score a late consolation goal in the final six minutes of the game from a corner. However, City was unable to replicate their previous victories against Japanese champions Yokohama F. Marinos or Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich on this tour. Kyle Walker, who has been rumored to be moving to Bayern, struck the crossbar from 30 yards away, while Erling Haaland and Phil Foden had near misses in the first half. These attempts were sandwiched between an Alvaro Morata header that narrowly missed the target.
In total, City - who had almost 59 per cent possession - took 15 shots to Atletico's nine but couldn't break down Diego Simeone's well-organised side until that late set-piece.
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Torrential rain delayed kick-off by 40 minutes in Seoul, South Korea
Apart from the result, this workout is likely to benefit head coach Pep Guardiola as he had a dominant lineup for 55 minutes before making significant substitutions. This allows him to prepare his squad for their upcoming defense of the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup titles. The only outfield players who were not included in the match were Kevin De Bruyne, who is still recovering from a hamstring injury sustained in the Champions League final, Nathan Ake, who had to leave the friendly against Bayern due to an injury, Cole Palmer, who may be loaned out, and Maximo Perrone.
Guardiola did not immediately react after the match as City, due to the delayed kick-off, hurriedly made their way back to England.
Their next focus is on Sunday's Community Shield match against Premier League runners-up Arsenal, followed by the start of their 2023/24 league campaign at Burnley on Friday August 11, which will be broadcasted live on We.
Burnley
Manchester City
Friday 11th August 6:30pm
Kick off 8:00pm
